Back of House 1943

Milton Avery made this sketch, called 'Back of House', with ink on paper. Can you see the spiraled binding at the top? I imagine Avery outside with a sketchbook on his lap, quickly trying to capture the essence of what he sees. It’s all about gesture here, a few scribbled lines suggest so much. Look at the figure in the centre, she seems to be emerging from the rocks. The lines are so economic, and the overall effect is not so much about accuracy as it is about atmosphere. There is a feeling of a hot summer day by the water. Avery’s work often reminds me of Matisse, the way he simplifies and flattens the forms. I think these guys are in an ongoing conversation, inspiring each other's creativity. It’s about distilling down to the essential elements, embracing ambiguity, and allowing for multiple interpretations.