Grupo de Meninas Brincando 1940

Candido Portinari made this painting of girls playing with oil paint. It feels like he might have mixed in a little bit of dirt, too. I can almost feel Portinari, brush in hand, circling these figures, smudging their forms, and really trying to figure out how to get at the energy of childhood games. The paint is thin in places, thick in others. Look how the pinks and reds of the kites, dresses and ribbons repeat, creating a feeling of joy. My eye keeps going back to the girl with the umbrella. She's got this serious, watchful look, like she's both part of the game and a little removed. Her small gesture feels so human. I can see his influence in so many painters who came after him. But Portinari’s touch is unique, isn't it? This painting is an invitation to join the dance, to remember the joy of being a kid.