Beach Birds 1954

This is 'Beach Birds' by Milton Avery, a print in blue ink on paper. It's a trial proof, so it gives us a peek into the artist’s process. Look at the marks. They’re not fussy or overworked, but direct and economical. See how the white lines carve out the shapes of the birds, almost like they’re floating in the blue. I like that the blue isn’t just a flat background. You can see the texture of the block, where the ink catches and pools, giving it a life of its own. It's got this lovely, almost haphazard feel, which is also very deliberate. The curved line of the bird on the right especially captures this balance. It’s simple but full of grace, like a quick sketch that just nails the essence of the thing. This piece reminds me a bit of Matisse’s cut-outs, that same playful simplicity, that ease with which line and color can suggest a whole world. It shows how less can definitely be more.