Georgia 2021

Bo Bartlett made this painting, Georgia, using oil paint and a realist style. I reckon it’s all about the dance between precision and letting go. Look at the way the paint is layered so smoothly, almost like skin. It's tight and controlled, but then there’s this incredible light, which makes the whole thing feel free. The colour palette is all muted, just soft blues, oranges, and reds. The way that thin line of the ocean is set against the sky. It’s almost dreamlike, this kid on his bike. It's simple but profound, right? It reminds me of Fairfield Porter, how he took these everyday scenes and made them into something monumental. Ultimately, it’s not about perfection, but about capturing a feeling. I like that.