Blue And Green

About This Work

"Blue And Green" by Robert Goodnough, created in 1968, stands as a testament to the artist's mature exploration of color field painting. This work emerged during a period of artistic experimentation when Goodnough, alongside contemporaries like Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman, sought to distill painting to its essential elements of color and form. The 1968 date places this canvas within Goodnough's most productive decade, where he developed a distinctive approach to abstract composition. Unlike his earlier gestural works, "Blue And Green" employs large, unmodulated fields of color that engage the viewer's perception directly. The painting's expansive blue and green planes exemplify Goodnough's mastery of chromatic relationships, where color transcends mere representation to become the primary subject of the artwork. This period marked Goodnough's deep engagement with the optical and emotional effects of juxtaposed hues, moving beyond the emotional intensity of his earlier abstract expressionist works toward a more contemplative visual language.

The composition demonstrates Goodnough's sophisticated understanding of visual perception. By placing two complementary hues in direct dialogue, he creates a visual tension that draws the viewer into prolonged contemplation. The precise ratio of blue to green, with the former occupying slightly more space, establishes a subtle imbalance that keeps the eye moving across the canvas. This careful calibration of color relationships distinguishes Goodnough's work from other color field painters of his generation.

The Artist's Period

Robert Goodnough (1919-2023) emerged as a significant voice in American abstract expressionism during the transformative years of the 1950s and 1960s. Born in Cortland, New York, Goodnough studied at the University of Buffalo before moving to New York City, where he became an active participant in the vibrant abstract expressionist scene. By 1968, when he created "Blue And Green," his artistic style had evolved from the dynamic brushwork and spontaneous composition of his earlier years to a more refined exploration of color relationships and large-scale formats. This work belongs to a series of color field paintings where Goodnough investigated the optical and perceptual effects of large, unmodulated color planes. His approach during this period was influenced by conversations with fellow artists at the Eighth Street Club in New York, where ideas about color theory and perception were frequently discussed. Goodnough's work from this era demonstrates his ability to create visual experiences through carefully balanced chromatic relationships rather than representational imagery.

The late 1960s represented a period of consolidation for Goodnough, where he synthesized the lessons of abstract expressionism with his own unique vision. "Blue And Green" exemplifies this synthesis, combining the emotional intensity of abstract expressionism with a more controlled, meditative approach to color and form. This work can be seen as part of a broader movement within American abstraction during the 1960s, where artists began to explore the possibilities of color as the primary subject of painting, independent of representational concerns.

Artistic Technique

Composition

The composition of "Blue And Green" employs a balanced asymmetry that draws the viewer's eye across the canvas in a deliberate visual journey. Goodnough divides the picture plane into two dominant color fields, with the blue area occupying slightly more space than the green, creating an inherent visual tension. This careful proportioning allows the colors to interact optically without one overwhelming the other. The artist's decision to use straight edges rather than organic forms for these color fields emphasizes the purity of the visual experience.

Color Theory

Goodnough's selection of blue and green in this 1968 work represents a deliberate exploration of near-complementary hues on the color wheel. The specific tones - a deep ultramarine blue against an earthy, slightly yellow-tinged green - create subtle optical vibrations that make the colors appear to advance and recede in the viewer's perception. This effect is enhanced by the matte surface quality of the paint, which absorbs rather than reflects light. The temperature contrast between the cool blue and the warmer green adds to the dynamic interplay between the two color fields.

Print & Frame Details

Interior Design Guide

The 30×40 cm size of this framed print makes it particularly versatile for various interior settings. In residential spaces, it works exceptionally well above a console table in an entryway or as the focal point of a gallery wall in a living room. For commercial environments, the print's scale and color scheme make it suitable for reception areas or conference rooms with neutral decor. The dominant blue and green tones complement both cool and warm color palettes, working particularly well with natural wood furnishings, stone surfaces, or as a vibrant contrast against gray walls. The framed print's dimensions allow it to hold its own on larger walls while remaining proportionate in more intimate spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

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