Sometimes I contemplate this question and the answer usually comes down to edges. Lost (or soft) edges are the hallmark of a loosely rendered work. When I did this painting of a Northwest beach I was trying to approximate the feeling of walking on a misty shore.

After brushing in sky color, I quickly dropped in thick dark paint for the rocky shapes. Since the sky was still wet, some soft edges formed on the rocks. if there were not enough soft areas or the sky dried too quickly, I took a swipe with a damp brush and “wiped out” a lost edge to achieve an impressionistic look.

This painting (Moment of Happenstance) is currently in the “Beauty of the Northwest” juried show at Gallery North in Edmonds, Washington.

KC