In the Middle of the Water 1971

Ding Yanyong's painting, with its bold strokes and vibrant color, looks like it was made quickly, decisively, probably in one sitting. I can imagine him standing before the canvas, lost in thought, then suddenly grabbing a brush and diving in. What I love about this painting is its simplicity. The brushstrokes are thick, almost clumsy, but they capture the essence of the scene. The green water, the blue sky, the little figures bobbing around in their inner tubes – it all comes together to create a feeling of lightness and joy. It reminds me of Joan Mitchell or maybe Milton Avery, with its naive charm. You can see Ding Yanyong's background in calligraphy in the sureness of the mark making. It’s like he's saying, ‘Don't overthink it, just paint what you see and feel’. And that's a lesson that all artists can take to heart. Ultimately, painting is a process of discovery, a conversation between the artist and the canvas, and that it’s through this process that we come to understand ourselves and the world around us.