Composition with the Sun 

Mordecai Ardon created this work using watercolor paints and ink on paper. These are relatively accessible materials, yet their skillful manipulation creates a dynamic, almost explosive composition. Note how the fluidity of the watercolor allows for a blending and blurring of forms, while the ink provides sharp, precise lines. The "sun" itself is rendered with washes of color, creating a radiant effect. The artist's touch is evident in the layering of these materials, building depth and texture. Splatters and drips are visible across the surface. These gestures remind us of the physical act of painting. It's easy to focus on the imagery, but consider the inherent qualities of the materials: the transparency of watercolor, the viscosity of ink, and the absorbency of paper. Ardon leverages these properties to achieve a sense of light, movement, and atmosphere. By bringing our attention to these elements, we can understand that the artist is very much in control of his materials, leading to a painting that exists between traditional art and craft.