Woman with Red Hair 1922

Arthur Beecher Carles made this painting of a woman with red hair, likely in oil, though its exact date is unknown. It’s all about the push-and-pull of color, isn’t it? The way the red hair sort of vibrates against the dark background, like a flame flickering in the night. Look at how Carles uses color to define form. The woman’s skin isn’t just one tone; it’s a mix of blues, whites, and even hints of green. See that little dab of purple right under her collarbone? It's unexpected, but it adds depth and dimension. And the way he’s applied the paint, thick and luscious, you can almost feel the texture of the canvas. It’s not about perfect representation; it’s about capturing a feeling, a mood. Carles’s work reminds me a bit of Matisse, the way he uses color to create these bold, expressive forms. And like Matisse, Carles invites us to see the world not as it is, but as it could be. A world where color dances and sings, and where beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.