"The animation of the canvas is one of the hardest problems of painting"

Alfred Sisley, a prominent Impressionist painter, made an extensive observation when he said, "The animation of the canvas is among the hardest problems of painting". This declaration delves into the intrinsic challenge that artists deal with in breathing life and movement into a static medium. To "animate" a canvas is to transcend the two-dimensional nature of the painted surface area, infusing it with a dynamic quality that engages its viewers on a much deeper emotional and sensory level.

Sisley's point of view likely comes from his experiences as part of the Impressionist motion, which sought to capture short lived minutes, light, and atmosphere instead of comprehensive realism. For Impressionists, animation included conveying the essence of a scene-- its vigor and rhythm-- through color, light, and brushstroke. In this context, animation does not refer to actual movement but to a sense of life and immediacy that resonates with the audience.

The obstacle, as Sisley notes, lies in attaining this result with fixed products: pigment, canvas, and brush. The artist must have not only technical ability however also a deep understanding of the subject's character and mood. It involves manipulating light and shadow, a nuanced usage of color, and typically an economy of information to suggest rather than dictate kind.

Moreover, effective animation of a canvas requires a perceptive analysis of the world around us, recording the vibrancy of life as experienced through sight, emotion, and understanding. It raises the canvas from merely being a representation of truth to becoming an evocative experience in itself. The balance is both technical and philosophical, guiding the viewer's eye and emotions in such a way that feels natural and spontaneous.

In sum, Sisley encapsulates the inherent struggle of producing art that is more than the amount of its parts. The hardest issues of painting, as he sees it, lie in imbuing a static image with a living, breathing presence-- a testimony to the artist's vision and strategy.