Laura 1970

Robert Maguire made this painting, Laura, with what looks like oil paint, and a whole lot of skill. You can tell that Maguire understands the process of painting; it’s not just about copying what you see, it’s about using the material to create something new. The way Maguire blends the colors into each other gives the painting a soft, dreamlike quality. Look at the dress, how it seems to float and flow. It’s not just white, but a mix of blues and greens, picking up the colors of the landscape around her. Then, in the lower left corner, there’s a little burst of teal that looks almost accidental, but it adds a punch of energy. Maguire reminds me of other painters who were interested in light and atmosphere, like John Singer Sargent. But Maguire has his own thing going on. The painting feels alive and in motion, and I find myself wondering what Laura is thinking, where she’s going. Ultimately, that's the magic of painting; it doesn’t give you all the answers, it invites you to ask questions.