Vase of Flowers 1923

Theo van Rysselberghe made this painting called 'Vase of Flowers.' I just love the feel of this painting! There are all these little dots of color, like the artist was playing with confetti. I imagine him, carefully placing each dot, standing back, and then adding more until the vase practically vibrates with life. He must have been thinking about color theory, but also just letting himself go with the joy of seeing those flowers in the light. The paint looks thin, almost like watercolor in some spots, which gives the whole thing a light, airy feeling. And that vase! It's like he couldn't resist painting a painting within a painting, covered in its own little colorful world. It reminds me of Bonnard’s domestic interiors and the way he made color so luminous. Ultimately, artists borrow and build on each other's ideas, creating something new each time. I am sure he was inspired by what he had seen other artists do, and now we can enjoy it. Painting is such a great way to capture a moment in time and explore all the feelings that color can bring.