Peace 1941

William H. Johnson made this painting ‘Peace’ with oil on board. I love how Johnson embraces simplicity, not just in the forms but also in the act of painting itself. Look at the brown skin of the woman on the right, built up with layers that feel both deliberate and spontaneous. It's not about perfection; it’s about process. The flowers are rendered with naive simplicity but somehow feel alive, like a child has painted them. The surfaces are not overworked, there is an honesty to the mark-making. You can see Johnson's hand in every stroke. The colours are vibrant and bold, yet they create a sense of calm. Reminds me a bit of Marsden Hartley's paintings, that same love of folk art and direct expression. It feels like a conversation across time and space, a reminder that art is about connection, not just skill.