varley erica 1942 Varley

Here we see a portrait study, likely of a woman, rendered in a style characterized by expressive brushwork and a vibrant, somewhat dissonant color palette. The subjects face is positioned centrally within the composition, though it isnt presented with photographic realism. Instead, the artist has prioritized conveying an emotional state through distortion and abstraction.
The application of paint is loose and energetic; visible strokes define form rather than meticulously blending to create smooth surfaces. This technique lends a sense of immediacy and dynamism to the work. The color choices are particularly striking. A range of reds, oranges, blues, and greens clash and harmonize simultaneously, creating an unsettling yet captivating visual effect. These colors arent used representationally; they seem intended to evoke feelings rather than describe appearances.
The woman’s gaze is direct, but not inviting. There’s a certain guardedness in her expression, perhaps even a hint of melancholy or introspection. The asymmetry in the rendering – one eye slightly larger and more detailed than the other, for example – contributes to this sense of complexity and psychological depth. Her lips are painted with a bold crimson, drawing attention to the mouth as a potential site of communication or suppressed emotion.
The background is not clearly defined; it appears to be an extension of the figure’s emotional landscape rather than a separate space. The brushstrokes in the background echo those used for the face, blurring the boundaries between subject and environment. This reinforces the impression that we are witnessing an internal portrait – a glimpse into the sitters inner world.
The overall effect is one of intense subjectivity. It’s not merely a depiction of a person; it’s an exploration of feeling and psychological state through the language of color and form. The artist seems less interested in capturing likeness than in conveying a mood or atmosphere, suggesting a focus on emotional truth over objective representation.