New River Watercolor, Series I, No. 3 1988

John Cage made this watercolor, using loose brushstrokes and a palette of earth tones mixed with vibrant greens and oranges. Imagine Cage in his studio, experimenting with chance and spontaneity, letting the water and pigment flow across the paper almost like a dance. I can see him making marks, circles, and washes, each layer responding to the last, building up a composition that feels both random and intentional. The textures created by the watercolor—thin washes, bleeding edges, and concentrated strokes—give the piece a sense of depth and movement. The horizontal band anchors all the swirling shapes, allowing the other marks to float. It reminds me of the work of other experimental painters like Cy Twombly, who also embraced gesture and chance in their work. Ultimately, this watercolor is an invitation to embrace uncertainty and find beauty in the unexpected.