Provincetown 1973

Melissa Meyer made this painting, Provincetown, with layers of oil paint and pastels. The material applications in the painting seem very casual. Pastel lines are seen through layers of paint, adding depth, and the shapes recall the landscape in an abstract style. Meyer has used painterly gestures and material application to shape the work, allowing the inherent qualities of substance, texture, weight, and color to shine. The process involves layering, blending, and scratching, blurring the boundaries between drawing and painting. The painting is imbued with a sense of freedom and energy, reflecting Meyer's spontaneous approach. Her techniques and materials are rooted in the traditions of fine art, yet she pushes the boundaries of abstraction, giving form to mental images and states of feeling. Understanding the materials, making, and context enhances our appreciation, challenging traditional notions of fine art.