The Harbor At Sea Cliff, Long Island

1911

Featuring vibrant, unmodulated hues, this sketchily rendered harbor scene typifies the modernist Oscar Bluemner’s interest in the emotional associations of color. According to his experimental theories, the blues and greens he used in the topography here symbolize serenity and the reds in the built structures indicate the vitality of life. More than descriptive, these expressive colors reflect the delight that Bluemner experienced in nature during his escapes from the bustle of New York City.