clearing weather, sherbrooke lake c1930 James Edward Hervey Macdonald

The canvas presents a landscape dominated by imposing mountain formations reflected in a body of water. The composition is structured around a central peak, sharply defined against a sky that suggests a clearing weather pattern – diffused light permeates the scene, softening the harshness of the rock faces. A band of dark evergreens occupies the lower right quadrant, providing a visual anchor and contrasting with the lighter tones elsewhere.
The artist employed a visible brushstroke throughout, lending texture and dynamism to the rendering. The mountains are built up from layers of paint, creating a sense of depth and solidity. Color is used expressively; blues and purples define the shadowed slopes, while ochres and creams suggest sunlit areas. The water surface is rendered with short, choppy strokes that convey movement and reflect the surrounding landscape in an abstracted manner.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a natural vista, the painting evokes a sense of solitude and grandeur. The scale of the mountains dwarfs any human presence, suggesting a reverence for natures power. The clearing weather implies a transition, a moment of respite after a period of turbulence – this could be interpreted as symbolic of overcoming challenges or finding peace amidst adversity.
The deliberate simplification of forms and the emphasis on color over precise detail suggest an interest in capturing not merely the appearance of the landscape but also its emotional impact. The work conveys a feeling of quiet contemplation, inviting the viewer to share in the artist’s experience of this remote location.