Landscape with willows 1966

Alfred Krupa made this landscape with willows in 1966 using what looks like ink or watercolour. The limited palette gives everything a tonal unity. It's like a song in a minor key. Look at how the darkest darks are balanced with the pale washes and dry brushed areas, the landscape seems to materialize out of atmosphere and light. See how the willow branches are described using quick gestures, a network of bold and broken lines. It makes me think about how painting is always a process of finding something, rather than making something. The texture is really beautiful. In particular, there's a passage in the lower left corner where the wash becomes dry, almost scratchy. Krupa gives us information, but also leaves space for us to fill in the gaps. This work reminds me of a Cy Twombly painting, or maybe even a Chinese ink wash landscape. Either way, it's a reminder that art is an ongoing conversation.