Polly, Minou and Eon 1979

Will Barnet made Polly, Minou and Eon as a print. Look at the soft colours, the playful approach to shape. You can tell that the process of artmaking here is all about creating a sense of balance and playful harmony. Barnet uses flat, almost decorative areas of colour. The texture isn't about thick paint or wild brushstrokes; it's more about the interaction of colours and shapes. The lines of yarn create a sense of tension and playfulness. Notice the simple shape of the cat, how the curve of its tail mirrors the curve of the bird. These shapes create a feeling of movement. The dog in the foreground is a grounding element, a warm and familiar presence. Barnet's work reminds me a little of Milton Avery. Both artists are interested in simplifying form and creating a sense of atmosphere through colour. Art is like a visual conversation, a way of seeing the world and sharing that vision. The beauty here is in how much is left unsaid.