Bouquet of Flowers 1904

Odilon Redon made this *Bouquet of Flowers* sometime before 1916 with oil on canvas. You can see a real freedom in his mark making. I love the way the texture feels almost crusty, like the paint has been built up in layers, especially in that riot of colour at the top! Redon isn't trying to trick you into thinking you're looking at real flowers, he's all about the joy of pushing paint around, building up the surface, and letting the colours sing. Look at the blue of that vase! It’s not just blue, it’s a whole symphony of blues, mixed with a bit of gray and white, giving it a real presence. For me it calls to mind the late flower paintings of Phillip Guston, they have that same generosity of spirit. Ultimately, both artists remind us that painting is a conversation, not a lecture!