The Italian Woman 1916

Henri Matisse painted this portrait in simple strokes of oil paint. I love how the figure emerges through layered strokes of colour, shifting and developing, until the Italian woman is brought to life. You can see that Matisse has clearly laid down the tonal ground first, almost like a fresco, and then he’s painted on top with these soft, gentle hues. The contrast between her dark hair and pale face draws me in. It’s kind of bold, kind of quiet, and it feels like a space that I can fall into. I like to think that Matisse and I are in an ongoing conversation across time. What I love about painting is the way the whole history of painting comes into being, inspiring other artists' creativity. It’s a form of expression which embraces ambiguity, allowing for multiple interpretations and meanings.