The Goldfish 1925

Paul Klee made this painting, called 'The Goldfish', at an unknown date, and he did it with oil and watercolor. The dark ground really sets off the jewel like tones of the fish, doesn't it? I love the way Klee uses color and line to create such a sense of depth, but then flattens the picture out again! Look closely, and you’ll see little, almost scribbled marks and floating lines that give the impression of underwater plants and rippling water. The paint is applied thinly, like watercolor washes, and is very transparent, with lots of layering. See how the colours seem to glow from within? I love this kind of colour, it reminds me of Matisse, or Bonnard. All these artists were very influential for me as I was finding my own painting practice.