The Fortune-Teller 1926

Helene Schjerfbeck made this painting of the Fortune-Teller with oil on canvas. It's pretty muted, all brown and yellow tones. I can almost see the history of painting in the way she's applied the paint, not trying to make the brushstrokes disappear. Looking at the surface, it’s built up with layers and you can almost feel the texture of the canvas coming through. I love that she hasn’t tried to hide the process, it's all there on display. Take a look at the way the light hits the face, the way the planes are formed with these simple, almost abstract shapes. The black lines that describe the figure's dress are so bold, but they sit so well with the softness of the face. Schjerfbeck reminds me a little of Agnes Martin, in the way she uses a limited palette to create a sense of quietness and contemplation. Both artists show us that art is about the journey, not just the destination. It’s about the conversation between the artist, the paint, and the canvas.