evening silhouette 1926 Arthur Lismer

The composition presents a landscape dominated by a palpable sense of melancholy and isolation. Here we observe a low horizon line dividing the canvas into two distinct zones: a dark, earthy foreground and a turbulent sky above. The lower portion is characterized by rugged terrain, rendered in muted browns and ochres with thick impasto application that conveys texture and solidity. A solitary tree, its branches contorted by an unseen force, stands prominently on a rocky outcrop, acting as a visual anchor within the scene.
The upper zone of the painting is far more dynamic. The sky is not depicted realistically but rather as a swirling vortex of color – yellows, oranges, reds, and blues are blended with visible brushstrokes, creating a sense of movement and unrest. This agitated atmosphere contrasts sharply with the stillness of the land below, suggesting an internal conflict or emotional turmoil.
The limited palette reinforces this mood; the absence of bright, cheerful colors contributes to the overall feeling of somberness. The dark tones in the foreground seem to press forward, while the swirling sky appears to recede, creating a sense of depth and vastness that emphasizes the smallness and vulnerability of the tree – and by extension, perhaps, the human condition.
The artist’s technique – the expressive brushwork and distorted forms – suggests an interest in conveying subjective experience rather than objective reality. The scene evokes feelings of loneliness, resilience against adversity, and a quiet contemplation of natures power. It is not merely a depiction of a landscape but a visual metaphor for inner states and the enduring struggle between stability and change.