Untitled (Abstraction) 1959

This is an untitled abstraction by Joan Mitchell, made using lithography on paper. Look at how Mitchell’s brushstrokes dance across the surface. It feels like a snapshot of a fleeting moment. The colours, mostly greens and blues, layered with earthier browns, create this atmospheric depth. The texture feels so alive, doesn't it? The strokes are direct and loose, and you can almost feel the movement of her hand as she worked. See how some areas are dense, with layers of ink, while others are more transparent, letting the paper peek through? I love how Mitchell isn't afraid to leave traces of the process visible. There is this one thick, horizontal stroke of blue at the top that anchors the whole piece, like a horizon line. Mitchell's work, to me, echoes the bold energy of someone like de Kooning, but with a more lyrical feel. She’s creating a space where feeling takes precedence over perfect representation. It's a reminder that art isn't about answers, but about opening up possibilities.