Approach (Maurice Bernstein, 1962)

A Cascade of Color: Unveiling Morris Louis’s “Approach”

Morris Louis's "Approach," painted in 1962, isn’t merely a canvas adorned with color; it’s an invitation to contemplate the very nature of perception and the ephemeral beauty of light. This seminal work from the Washington Color School movement embodies a radical shift in American painting – moving away from representational imagery towards pure abstraction driven by the emotive power of hue and form. Louis, wrestling with the limitations he perceived in traditional painting techniques, sought to dissolve the boundaries between pigment and surface, creating an experience that transcends visual recognition and taps directly into the viewer’s emotional response.

The piece immediately commands attention through its dynamic arrangement of vertically oriented bands – a vibrant tapestry woven from yellows, greens, purples, and subtle hints of blue. These aren't sharply defined lines but rather areas where color bleeds and merges, suggesting movement and fluidity as if the paint itself is in constant motion. The background, rendered in a soft, off-white, acts as a crucial counterpoint, allowing the intensity of the colored bands to truly sing. It’s a deliberate choice that emphasizes the luminosity of the pigments and contributes significantly to the painting's overall sense of spaciousness.

Technique: The Alchemy of Magna Paint

What distinguishes “Approach” is Louis’s innovative use of Magna paint, a revolutionary acrylic medium developed in collaboration with Leo Sebak at Magna Chemical. Unlike traditional oil paints, Magna possessed remarkable fluidity and the ability to spread and stain across the canvas with astonishing ease. This technique – often described as ‘staining’ or ‘pouring’ – allowed Louis to achieve the seamless transitions and delicate gradients that define his work. The absence of visible brushstrokes is deliberate; it reinforces the feeling that the colors are emerging organically from the surface, mimicking the effects of natural light and atmospheric conditions.

The process itself was a carefully orchestrated dance between control and surrender. Louis would apply Magna to the canvas in layers, allowing it to flow and spread according to its own volition. He’d then manipulate the paint with brushes and sponges, subtly guiding its movement while embracing the unpredictable nature of the medium. This combination of deliberate intervention and spontaneous evolution is central to understanding the painting's unique character.

Symbolism and Emotional Resonance

While Louis resisted assigning specific meanings to his paintings, “Approach” undeniably evokes a sense of journey, ascent, or perhaps even a meditative state. The verticality of the bands can be interpreted as a visual metaphor for growth, aspiration, or the passage of time. The fluidity and blending of colors suggest a constant state of transformation – mirroring the ever-changing nature of perception and experience. There’s an inherent vulnerability in the work; the paint seems to hang precariously on the edge of the canvas, inviting the viewer to contemplate the precarious balance between order and chaos.

Furthermore, the painting's color palette—particularly the interplay of warm yellows and cool blues—creates a subtle tension that mirrors the complexities of human emotion. It’s not a painting that shouts for attention; instead, it whispers with quiet intensity, drawing the viewer into a contemplative dialogue.

A Legacy in Color Field Painting

Morris Louis's “Approach” stands as a pivotal work within the broader context of Color Field painting. Alongside artists like Barnett Newman and Helen Frankenthaler, Louis challenged the conventions of representational art and paved the way for a new generation of abstract painters. His pioneering use of Magna paint and his emphasis on color as an independent expressive force profoundly influenced subsequent generations of artists. Today, “Approach” continues to resonate with viewers who appreciate its elegant simplicity, emotional depth, and groundbreaking technical innovation. Reproductions capture much of this essence, offering a beautiful addition to any space.