Monhegan. Maine (Island on the horizon) (Sketch) Roerich N.K. (Part 3)

The composition presents a landscape viewed from a low vantage point, emphasizing a distant island on the horizon. The artist has divided the canvas into distinct horizontal bands, creating layers that suggest depth and atmospheric perspective. A dark, textured band occupies the lower portion of the work, likely representing land or shoreline, rendered in shades of brown, orange, and deep blue. Above this lies a broader expanse of muted gray tones, which could signify a transitional zone between foreground and background.
The island itself is depicted as a solid mass of turquoise-blue, its form simplified to essential contours. It appears somewhat detached from the surrounding environment, conveying a sense of isolation or remoteness. The sky above the island is painted in lighter shades of blue, with visible brushstrokes that contribute to a feeling of movement and airiness.
The application of paint is characterized by a loose, sketch-like quality. Brushwork is evident throughout, contributing to an overall impression of spontaneity and immediacy. Theres a deliberate lack of detail; the forms are generalized rather than precisely rendered. This stylistic choice reinforces the sense that this is a preliminary study or a quick observation of a scene.
Subtly, there’s a melancholy quality present in the color palette and the simplified forms. The distance between the viewer and the island creates a psychological barrier, suggesting themes of longing, contemplation, or perhaps even a quiet solitude. The muted colors contribute to this mood, avoiding any sense of vibrancy or exuberance. The work seems less concerned with accurately portraying a specific location and more interested in capturing an emotional response to it – a fleeting impression of place and atmosphere.