Large variation 1915

Alexej von Jawlensky made this painting with oil on board. I'm looking at these juicy, sweet colours. Like, they're making my mouth water! I can almost feel the artist figuring out how to make this painting. You know, like when you're cooking, and you taste as you go along, adding a little bit of this, a little bit of that. I imagine him standing in front of the canvas, brush in hand, thinking about colour, and how the shapes and colours can create a harmony. And the blues, greens, pinks, and purples create a field for the eye. What do you see when you look? I see a face. A face of flat colour. Artists are always in conversation with each other, it's like one big dinner party. Jawlensky was definitely listening to Matisse, and maybe even whispering to us today. Painting is a way of thinking, feeling, and seeing. It's like dancing with a brush, each stroke a step in the rhythm. And the best part? It’s open to your interpretation.