Paradise 2017

Bernadette Resha's 'Paradise' appears to be a watercolour, where process feels key, like the painting is a garden growing itself. The surface is alive with transparent washes and linear details, where the white of the paper peeks through, adding a delicate touch. See how Resha uses both thin, almost dry brushstrokes and wetter, more fluid applications of colour. It creates a push-and-pull effect, almost like a dance. I'm drawn to the confident simplicity of the large flower. Look how the petals are rendered with bold strokes of pink, each one slightly different, hinting at movement and light. The whole painting feels like a reminder that art, like nature, is about constant change. This piece reminds me of early watercolors by Elizabeth Murray. Both artists embrace a kind of playful awkwardness, inviting us to see the world with fresh eyes.