City Night 1926

Georgia O'Keeffe made this painting, City Night, with oil on canvas, and what strikes me is her approach, so confident, like a series of decisive, simple steps. There is something so grounded about the way O’Keeffe understood artmaking as a process. The surface has a lovely, quiet quality. The paint application feels straightforward, almost casual, yet so precise. It’s not about showing off technique, but about capturing a particular feeling. I’m drawn to the way she renders light, especially the moon, and the subtle variations in the dark tones of the buildings. Look at the edges of the buildings, where dark meets the night sky – such a delicate balancing act. Seeing this, I think of Edward Hopper, who also captured the starkness and loneliness of the urban landscape. But O'Keeffe brings a different sensibility, one that’s both bold and tender. It’s a reminder that art doesn't have to shout to be heard.