The Last Strawberry 2020

Milt Kobayashi painted 'The Last Strawberry' using oil paint on canvas, a medium with a rich history in Western art. Look closely, and you'll see how Kobayashi's brushstrokes build form and imbue the painting with a palpable sense of immediacy. The artist's skill is evident in the way the paint is handled, creating a balance between representation and abstraction. Notice how the red of the strawberry is echoed in the spots on the sitter's dress, linking her to the still life element of the fruit. Oil paint allowed Kobayashi to blend colors seamlessly and build up layers of texture, capturing the softness of skin and the sheen of fabric. The application of the paint, with visible strokes and drips, hints at the physical act of creation, reminding us of the artist's hand and the intimate relationship between creator, materials, and subject. Considering the materials, processes, and context provides us with a richer, more nuanced understanding of the artwork.