Modern Colorful Watercolor by Jae Carmichael

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With this colorful and minimalist watercolor by the artist Jae Carmichael, we are immersed in the vibrant world of Fauvism, … Read more With this colorful and minimalist watercolor by the artist Jae Carmichael, we are immersed in the vibrant world of Fauvism, as championed by Henri Matisse. Color above all, and perhaps even more than drawing, is a liberation," serves as a guiding principle in understanding this piece.

This artwork serves as a nod to pay homage to Matisse's pioneering approach to color and form, mainly as found in all his cutting work, like his “Book-flowers,” where we witness the systematic arrangement of simplified yet dynamic forms delineated by sharp contours reminiscent of cut-out shapes. The artist's bold experimentation with color is evident, with striking contrasts between different hues—where vibrant yellows boldly clash with deep indigo, and audacious blues stand alongside vibrant greens.

Jae Carmichael, much like his Fauvist counterparts, employs broad swathes of pure, vivid colors to evoke emotion and captivate the viewer. This piece, crafted with meticulous attention, showcases the artist's mastery in harnessing the power of color to convey mood and atmosphere. It is signed CC, her last signature.

Whether portraying the distinctive petals and pistils of squash blossoms or capturing the essence of simpler floral motifs, the impact of color reigns supreme. In this piece, the subject matter seems to fade into the background, overshadowed by the sheer force and intensity of the artist's chromatic exploration.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Jae Carmichael studied at Mills College and earned a BFA from the University of Southern California and a Ph.D. in cinematography and art history.

From 1962-66, she was Director of the Wooden Horse Gallery in Laguna Beach. Since the 1950s, she has been an active art teacher in Pasadena in southern California, and served as a cinematography professor at the University of Southern California. See less