Circus Girl Resting 1931

Yasuo Kuniyoshi made this painting of a Circus Girl, and it's all about the push and pull of color and line. The whole thing has a kind of warm, fuzzy, dream-like quality because of his approach. Look at the way he's built up the surface. There's something really physical about the way the marks feel, especially in those red tights. They are so solid! The way he's layered the strokes, it's almost like you can feel the texture of the paint, thick and a little bit dry, like pastel. And then there's that loose sash - such a contrast. See how the brushstrokes are more broken up? The way it droops gives the picture its mood. This reminds me of Milton Avery; they both were really interested in how shapes fit together to make a space, and not being afraid to push the colors. It's like they are having a conversation. These paintings are never really finished, just kept open.