The Geranium 1906

Matisse made this painting of a geranium, probably with oil on canvas, and it feels like such a personal little world. The way he handles paint is so direct. Thick strokes of color, like daubs of pure feeling, give the whole composition a vibrant energy. It’s not about perfection, but about the sheer joy of putting paint to surface. Just look at how he renders the leaves—they're almost like little flags of green, each one a tiny explosion of color and form. There's one spot right near the base of the plant where he's layered these strokes so thickly that it almost feels like you could reach out and touch it. The green and pink, set against the light blue behind, vibrate with a kind of raw, untamed energy. It reminds me a bit of Van Gogh, but with a lighter touch, a sense of playfulness that makes you want to smile. Art is just one big conversation after all, isn’t it?