Little Walter’s Toys 1912

August Macke’s "Little Walter's Toys," is a playful arrangement painted with oils, it's all about capturing the joy of process. See how the objects are rendered with these bold, quick strokes? The colour is laid on, a green plane sits under a marmalade sky. The paint feels like it's been almost slapped on in places, particularly in the background where you can see these energetic brushstrokes. I love the way Macke handles the shapes and textures. There's a kind of charming awkwardness, with the red spots of the toy rabbit echoed in the flower pot. It’s almost like the painting is breathing. This piece has some of the naive joy of Henri Rousseau with the flat perspective and the bold color combinations of Matisse. The way artists build on each other, it's like a conversation that never ends.