Frottis Bleu 1953

Camille Bryen made *Frottis Bleu*, which translates as ‘Blue Smear,’ with oil on canvas, and looking at it, I immediately think about the joy of process. The colours here are layered, blues and greens, with some yellows popping through. Bryen isn't trying to hide his tracks. You can see the movement of the brush, the way the paint is dragged across the canvas. It's like he's inviting us into the studio, to witness the act of painting itself. See that thick black line that anchors the left side of the canvas? It’s a statement, a bold assertion of the artist's presence. It’s rough, almost crude, but it's also full of energy and determination. Bryen reminds me a little bit of Joan Mitchell, who wasn’t afraid to make a mess. Ultimately art is about embracing uncertainty, and trusting the process.