Variations on a Rhythm--U 1933

Raymond Jonson made this painting, Variations on a Rhythm--U, with oil on canvas. The color is built up in layers, smooth and controlled, mostly mauves and blues. I wonder what it was like to make this thing. It feels like Jonson was trying to find a new visual language. He’s building up from the bottom with a goldish curve that echoes another silver curve at the top – like maybe he was thinking about vessels? Or architecture? I see these cool, flat shapes that stack up like stairs or spill like water. The painting reminds me of some other hard-edged abstract paintings where artists were breaking down forms. I bet Jonson was thinking about those too, because artists are always talking to each other, even if they don’t know it. Every time a painter makes a mark, they are embracing the chaos and trusting that something cool will emerge!