Two Pink Roses 1940

"Two Pink Roses" was painted by Horace Pippin using traditional oil paints and brushes, likely sometime in the 1930s or 40s. Pippin embraced the directness of oil paint, applying it with a somewhat dry brush, resulting in broken surfaces that catch the light in interesting ways. He built up the image slowly, defining the forms of the roses and leaves with thick outlines. Notice how the dark, almost black leaves contrast with the delicate pinks of the roses. This bold color palette and simplified forms give the painting a powerful presence. Pippin's story is particularly compelling. He was a self-taught artist who began painting after being wounded in World War I. His art-making was a slow, deliberate process, reflecting both his physical limitations and his commitment to capturing the world around him. Pippin reminds us that art can emerge from any background. He elevates everyday subjects to a level of profound beauty and significance.