Pansies in Washington 1969

Alma Thomas created "Pansies in Washington" with acrylic on canvas, using a distinctive mosaic-like technique. Her approach involves building up the image from small, individual strokes of color, each one carefully placed. This painstaking method, reminiscent of mosaic or even textile work, lends the painting a unique texture and rhythm. The vibrant hues—reds, pinks, greens, and blues—are not blended, but rather juxtaposed, creating a dazzling optical effect. Thomas’s process echoes the labor-intensive methods of craft traditions, where repetition and careful attention to detail are paramount. This emphasis on process challenges traditional hierarchies that separate fine art from craft, drawing attention to the value of skilled handwork. Ultimately, "Pansies in Washington" reminds us that the true beauty of art often lies not just in its visual appearance, but in the dedication and craft embedded within its making.