Vase c. 1937

This is Janet Riza’s painting of a vase. It’s cobalt blue in color, with the paint applied thinly, almost as a wash. I can imagine Riza in her studio, contemplating the object before her. She’s trying to work out how to translate three dimensions into two. The play of light and shadow creates a sense of depth. The surface appears smooth, but the brushstrokes are still visible, reminding us of the artist’s hand. The blue feels so alive, like she captured a moment of pure color. I love how artists take ordinary objects and give them this extraordinary attention. Painting becomes a way of seeing, of slowing down and noticing the beauty in the everyday. It’s a conversation, really, with artists like Morandi who also painted vases and bottles, all of them adding their unique perspective to the ongoing exploration of form and color. It really shows you that painting embraces uncertainty and offers multiple ways to see the world.