Piet Mondrian: Houses on the Gein

Piet Mondrian (1872-1944): Houses on the Gein (1900) is a good instance of Mondrian's manner and ideas around 1900, when he was twenty-eight and had just started painting landscapes in the surroundings of Amsterdam… Typical of the early Mondrian is the loose brush stroke, giving the impression of a direct oil sketch of the subject in the open air. This picturesque touch is characteristic of most of Mondrian's work during these years, not only the studies but also the finished paintings, it is probably one of his earliest accomplishments as a painter. A free flexible stroke was to remain a distinctive feature of his work down to his last pictures, his brushwork, mark of the experienced painter, always gave Mondrian's canvases their special vividness… In this approach, in this conception of nature, young Mondrian shows his individuality and independence...