Miss Thompson (Miss Patricia Thompson) 1932

Laura Knight painted ‘Miss Thompson’ in oils, and what strikes me is how she's handled the background like a character in its own right. The colours are laid down in confident, visible strokes that animate the whole surface. Knight’s touch is all over this canvas. It’s in the fleshy tones of Miss Thompson's face, and in the details of the dress. See how the paint seems almost scrubbed into the canvas, especially in the background. This contrasts with the smoother treatment of the sitter's skin, creating a dynamic interplay between the figure and her surroundings. Look closely at the folds of the dress – those soft pinks and oranges. They catch the light, adding depth and volume, giving the whole thing this lovely glow. Knight was part of an artistic world alongside people like Dod Procter, and you can see some similarities in their interest in capturing light and form. This piece reminds me that art is a conversation, an exchange of ideas that stretches across time and between artists.