House 1970

Vudon Baklytsky made this painting, House, with thick daubs of oil paint in a landscape format. I imagine the scene might have been composed outdoors, as the artist, brush in hand, captured these buildings with a sense of immediacy. The painting’s built up with layers, a tapestry of texture and colour—especially the bright red roofs against the muted walls. I picture the artist hesitating then diving in, trying to get the colour exactly right. There’s a real dance between observation and invention, like the artist is coaxing the houses into existence. Look at how the strokes suggest detail without defining it, like the rough texture of the wall or the implied windows. It reminds me that painting is as much about feeling and memory as it is about seeing. What I love about paint is the way it allows artists to have this ongoing conversation, each of us adding our voice to the mix, inspired by those who came before.