I Can't Pretend 1990

This is Melissa Meyer’s painting, I Can't Pretend, and it’s a masterclass in not pretending. The way she layers these luscious colors, it's like watching paint find itself, unplanned but so confident. Look at the bottom, that swoosh of pale green. It’s a whole world in one gesture, thick with intention but light as a feather. You can almost feel the brush dance. Meyer isn't trying to hide anything; you see every stroke, every decision. It’s honest, raw, and utterly beautiful. She reminds me a little of Joan Mitchell, that same fearlessness with color and mark-making. These artists, they’re not just painting pictures; they’re inviting us into their process, their way of seeing. And in that invitation, there's a freedom to see and feel, without pretense.