Children Dance 1944

William H. Johnson made this painting, Children Dance, and though we don't know exactly when, it's clear he was onto something special. Look how the colors pop, so bright and flat, like paper cutouts against that blue, blue sky. The paint is laid on thick, you can almost feel the brushstrokes. Notice how the figures are outlined in dark paint, giving them a bold presence. It's all about the surface, the texture, the way those colors bump up against each other. The overall effect is so lively. Take a look at the way those hands are painted. They're so simplified, just a few lines, but they convey so much energy. You can almost hear the music, feel the joy of movement. To me, Johnson's work feels similar to that of Bob Thompson, both artists sharing an interest in figuration and folklore, and a love for expressive color. It's like they're all part of the same conversation, riffing off each other across time.