In Resting Lofton seems to pay homage to Matisse’s Blue Nude series of cut outs. In 1952, Henri Matisse created a series of blue color lithographs using his cut-out technique, titled Blue Nudes. In Lofton’s composition, the female figure is attenuated and flat in form. Yet, one can sense the mood of the painting from the pose of the figure with the head resting on the hand. Could it be despair or one of deep meditation? Lofton limits his palette to black and white with white lines delineating different objects in the painting. This separation of forms is created by his technique of using thin strips of canvas (like Matisse’s strips of colored paper) to make painting appear like a print. Lofton is a master of using less to convey more, few delineated lines create forms and a sense of more than two-dimensional space. The decorative touches show an interest in African textile patterns. Matisse, in this series of Blue Nudes was also inspired by African art.

Signed J Lofton (in script), lower left corner.

This work includes frame and certificate of authenticity.