Little Girl in Orange 1944

William H. Johnson made this painting, Little Girl in Orange, with what looks like oil on board, and it’s all about the joy of seeing. The colors are so intense, aren't they? It is like he is digging deep into his memory of a place. Everything feels flattened, but in the most loving way. And the textures! Look how the paint sits right on the surface, kinda thick and juicy. I can almost feel the way Johnson loaded up his brush, how he trusted in the process. Take a look at the dress. Each little motif is rendered with such care, yet there's no fussiness. It's like he's saying, "Here's the world, simple and full of wonder." Johnson makes me think of Bob Thompson, how both use bold, flat colors to create a sense of almost mystical clarity. It is as if you're seeing not just a picture, but someone's heart laid bare.