Four Blue Five 1962

Thomas Downing made "Four Blue Five" with paint on canvas. It's all about the relationship between those flat, evenly spaced circles and the creamy off-white ground. The way the colors sit so calmly next to each other, it feels very process-oriented, like he set up a system and then just let it unfold. Looking closely, you see how thinly the paint is applied. It's almost like a stain, the canvas texture still visible underneath. There are no visible brushstrokes, so the hand of the artist is somewhat hidden. Each circle is a distinct decision, but together they form a larger pattern. This reminds me of the work of Ellsworth Kelly, who also explored color and form in a very direct way. But Downing adds a playful element with his unexpected color combinations and the way the circles seem to float on the surface. It's not just about precision, it's about creating a visual experience that's both calming and stimulating.