Thunderstorm is coming Arseny Meshersky (1834-1902)

The composition presents a landscape dominated by a vast body of water under a heavy, overcast sky. The palette is muted, primarily consisting of grays, greens, and browns, contributing to a somber atmosphere. A palpable sense of impending weather pervades the scene.
In the foreground, a small wooden boat rests near the shoreline, partially obscured by reeds and a large rock formation. This placement suggests stillness and perhaps abandonment; the boat appears ready for use but remains idle. To the right, a makeshift dock extends into the water, constructed from rough-hewn timbers. Its rudimentary nature reinforces the impression of a remote, unrefined location.
The middle ground is occupied by the expanse of water itself, its surface relatively calm yet reflecting the oppressive sky above. A distant shoreline, blurred and indistinct, hints at an expansive landscape beyond the immediate view. The horizon line is low, emphasizing the dominance of the sky and amplifying the feeling of vastness and potential threat.
The artist employed a loose brushstroke throughout, particularly evident in the rendering of the sky and vegetation. This technique lends a sense of immediacy to the scene, as if capturing a fleeting moment before a storm breaks. The light is diffused and flat, lacking strong contrasts that would define forms with precision. Instead, it contributes to the overall feeling of melancholy and quiet anticipation.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of solitude, vulnerability, and the power of nature. The stillness of the water and the abandoned boat suggest a human presence temporarily withdrawn or perhaps overwhelmed by the environment. The looming sky implies an inevitable disruption, hinting at forces beyond human control. The scene is not merely descriptive; it conveys a psychological state – a feeling of quiet apprehension before a significant event. It’s a moment suspended between tranquility and impending turmoil.