Dance c. early 20th century

Here's "Dance," by James M. Louis, made using paint on a sheet of paper. The figures are captured through many rapid marks of layered colors. It reminds me that making art is a process; not just a search for the right image, but an ongoing activity that can lead to unexpected outcomes. If you look closely, you'll notice how the texture varies across the surface. See the thick, almost sculptural quality of the paint in their clothing, versus the much thinner application in their headwear. The color palette seems limited, yet there’s so much variation within it. Look at the dancer at the far right, with its speckled costume, it is an explosion of detail. There's a connection here to artists like Forrest Bess, who created visionary paintings with similar directness and intensity, exploring personal mythologies. Ultimately, art is about opening up possibilities, not closing them down.