Balloons 1963

In this watercolor by Alexander Calder, dating from 1963, bright orange, pod-like shapes float upwards, tethered by delicate, drippy lines. I can imagine Calder in his studio, loose and playful. It seems like he allowed the paint to do its thing – these blooms have this juicy, organic feel. The dark edges bleeding into the vibrant centers of yellow, blue, and gray, like light shining through a membrane. It’s like a dance between control and chance. Those lines trailing down? Total freedom! They anchor the balloons but also suggest movement, a gentle sway. Calder was so good at capturing the essence of movement, and even in this still image, you feel that lightness, that lift. You can see echoes of Miró in Calder's use of biomorphic shapes and bold colors. Artists are always riffing off each other, finding new ways to express themselves. And isn't painting all about that? Embracing the unpredictable, letting the paint guide you, and finding something new in the process.