Vincent's Moon - 11.7.07 2007

John Hoyland made *Vincent’s Moon* in 2007, likely using acrylic on canvas, a choice that allowed for quick layering and vibrant color. The painting has a cosmic theme, and the visual effect is all about immediacy. Hoyland was interested in pure abstraction and clearly relished the physical qualities of paint itself. Look closely at the splatters, drips, and saturated colors. He built up the composition spontaneously. The paint application is quite gestural, almost violent, yet controlled. It’s as though Hoyland was channeling energy directly from himself onto the canvas. There is a sense of improvisation, like jazz music, but of course, a painting like this represents hours of focused labor. The work has a light touch but it also communicates the intensity of effort. Considering the materials and the artistic process, we can appreciate how the artist employed a wide range of creative practices, and techniques to move freely between the fine arts and the world of craft, to communicate wider ideas.