Mood Indigo (1930) is a jazz composition and song with music by Duke Ellington and Barney Bigard with lyrics by Irving Mills. The main theme was provided by Bigard, who learned it in New Orleans from his clarinet teacher, Lorenzo Tio, who called it a “Mexican Blues.” Sometimes song by Ella Fitzgerald, it is a jazz classic standard. In this composition Lofton covers almost an entire area of the canvas with a contorted figure painted in a pulsing, vibrant blue hue. With this large simple cut-out shape, he channels Matisse’s simple collage cut out compositions. The edges are filled out with abstract slashing strokes in varied colors that activate what could be a static composition. Always balancing elements, this active part of the canvas counters the calm large figure. With just a simple shape the artist has the innate ability to convey emotions that resonate with the viewer. His collage technique of strips of canvas never overwhelms the canvas textually. Everything exists in a mood of subtlety.

Signed J Lofton (in script), lower right corner

This work includes frame and certificate of authenticity.