Casey and Mae in the Street 1948

Archibald Motley made "Casey and Mae in the Street" with oil on canvas, and it’s like stepping into a vibrant, bustling block party. Motley uses these cool blues and lavenders, punctuated by electric pops of warm hues, to make the canvas buzz with energy. It's like he's mixing a cocktail of colors, each layer adding to the flavor. Look at the way the paint is applied – not too thick, not too thin, but just right to let the colors sing. The textures are smooth, which makes the scene feel both real and dreamy. Then there’s that lamplight, glowing like a spotlight on a stage, drawing you into the heart of the action. It's as if the whole painting is breathing with life. Motley’s work reminds me a bit of Jacob Lawrence, especially in their shared interest in capturing the energy and stories of Black communities. These are paintings that remind us that art isn't just about what you see, but about how it makes you feel.