Sun in May 1911

Józef Mehoffer created this painting with oil on canvas, and it's like stepping into a sun-drenched day. The way Mehoffer builds up the scene with layers of colour makes the whole painting glow. The sunlight seems to bounce off everything - the tree, the room, the figure standing in the doorway. The paint handling feels so intuitive, like each brushstroke is a response to the light and the air. I love the way he's captured the feeling of a warm day in late Spring. Check out the little tree, bursting with red flowers. It's almost like it's breathing, reaching out of the frame. I love the way Mehoffer captures how the light changes the colours in the piece. It reminds me a little of Bonnard, who had the same way of playing with light and colour. It's like a party, but the kind where everyone's relaxed and the conversation is easy.