Collected Collector (Portrait of Herb) c. 1983

Michael Clark's "Collected Collector (Portrait of Herb)" is an intimate painting that immediately grabs you with its rich, teal ground. The restricted palette, almost grayscale, keeps the focus tight, letting the texture of the paint do the talking. It's smooth but not too smooth, with these tiny, visible brushstrokes that feel like whispers of touch. Take a look at how the light catches Herb’s face, it's all built up with these delicate layers, like Clark is feeling his way through the form. This painting reminds me a bit of Fairfield Porter's portraits – that same kind of quiet observation, where the real subject is not just the person but the act of seeing itself. It’s a lovely, thoughtful work.