Indian Summer 1959

Hans Hofmann made this painting, Indian Summer, using oil on canvas. The way he’s laid down these blocks of color feels so intuitive, like a record of his thinking as he worked. Look at how Hofmann builds up the surface, especially in that vibrant red area at the bottom, there's this real physicality in the medium. You can almost see the movement of his hand as he layered the paint, thick in some spots, thinner in others. It's not about hiding the process; it's about making the process visible, palpable. Take that little sliver of blue peeking out from under the red, a total accident, or maybe not? It’s all about embracing the unexpected, letting the painting lead the way. Hofmann reminds me a bit of Joan Mitchell, another painter who wasn't afraid to let her emotions run wild on the canvas. In the end, it's not about answers, it’s about the questions, the journey, and the endless possibilities of paint.