Carnival in Arcueil 1911

Lyonel Feininger made this oil on canvas, Carnival in Arcueil, and it's like a stage set with the characters all ready to go. The yellow is pretty dominant, but it’s not just one yellow, is it? Look at how the buildings glow from within! The paint isn't too thick, but you can see the strokes. And the way he’s scratched some of the lines in the paint, it’s like he's drawing with the end of his brush. I love the tall thin figure standing so upright and blowing a trumpet. It's sort of a visual joke, the way the trumpet is almost as tall as he is. I think it is a good reminder that art doesn't have to take itself so seriously. The whole thing reminds me a bit of Marsden Hartley, with the simplified forms and almost geometric shapes. It’s like they’re both trying to capture something essential about form, and still, you know, keep it loose and fun.