Rainbow Monique 

Milt Kobayashi’s “Rainbow Monique” is composed with oil paint, applied in a vigorous manner, yet also highly controlled. Kobayashi's technique involves loading his brush generously, then dragging it across the canvas to create ribbons of layered pigment. You can really see this at work, with the impasto catching the light and creating tangible texture. Look closely at how the brushstrokes around Monique's face create a halo effect, and contrast this with the more regimented strokes in the background. The artist brings real attention to the surface of the painting. The result is a captivating interplay between the subject’s presence and the material presence of the paint itself. The materiality of the paint here isn't just a way of representing something; it’s an assertion of its own value. It’s a potent reminder of how materials, making, and context all contribute to the meaning of art.