Variation (Trees) 1919 - 1920

Alexej von Jawlensky made this painting, Variation (Trees), with oil on linen. He's got these big, simple shapes hanging out together, and I love how you can still see the texture of the canvas underneath the paint. Look at the way he’s laid down these brushstrokes, kind of like colorful puzzle pieces. It’s not about making things look real, but about feeling something real. There's a tall green form on the left, like a weird bean, and right next to it, this plump, purple shape with a yellow hat. It's so awkward and wonderful, especially that shaky black line holding up the purple form. Jawlensky reminds me a bit of Marsden Hartley, another painter who wasn't afraid to simplify things down to their essence. It feels like Jawlensky is having a conversation with the painting, letting it lead him where it wants to go. It's not about perfection, but about the messy, beautiful process of seeing and feeling.