Аutumn Trees 1968

Petros Malayan made this painting of Autumn Trees, with what looks like oil paint on maybe paper or board; it's hard to tell exactly. The way the paint's applied so directly, it feels like he's really feeling the season, you know? I like how the textures and colours are laid down. The dark browns and yellows are quite physical, thick in places, like he’s sculpting the image. Then, those white lines coming down for the trunks – they're so delicate, like scratches on the surface. It's kind of amazing. There's a bit on the left where you can see the ground, it's like a wash, very thin. Malayan reminds me a bit of Milton Avery, the way he simplifies landscapes down to their essence. There's a quietness, an openness to interpretation. It's a reminder that paintings don’t need to shout to be heard.