Untitled (From The Shapes of Colour) 1978

Here we see Patrick Heron playing with colour and form. The act of painting itself feels so present, like a dance of intuition and intention. I can almost feel the artist standing before the canvas, brush in hand, thinking: what if I put this yellow next to that purple? Imagine the push and pull, the trial and error. The paint is applied in these bold vertical strokes, each one a distinct character. The texture is smooth, the colours vivid, creating this sense of rhythm across the surface. Look at that purple stroke, how it bleeds slightly at the bottom, suggesting movement and fluidity. Heron's piece feels like a conversation with other colourists like Matisse and Rothko, all exploring the emotional power of pure pigment. But there is a uniquely British sensibility at play. It invites us to slow down, to feel, and to experience the joy of seeing. Painting is ambiguous, which makes looking at paintings so exciting. They embrace uncertainty, inviting us to explore multiple interpretations.