Call It Winter 1957 United States by Will Barnet
Call It Winter - 1957 United States
Will Barnet’s Abstract Lyricism in Call It Winter
In the late 1950s, Will Barnet emerged as a pivotal figure in American Abstract Expressionism, blending gestural abstraction with a deeply personal iconography. Call It Winter (1957) exemplifies this period, where Barnet distilled emotional resonance into sweeping, calligraphic forms. The painting’s title suggests a seasonal metaphor, but its power lies in the tension between spontaneity and control—a hallmark of Barnet’s work during this era.
Unlike the explosive chromaticism of his contemporaries, Barnet favored a restrained palette, often grounding his compositions in earthy ochres and muted blues. This piece, with its layered brushwork and ambiguous spatial depth, reflects his interest in Zen philosophy and the interplay between presence and absence. As noted by the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Barnet’s mid-century abstractions “reconciled European modernism with a distinctly American sensibility,” a balance evident in Call It Winter’s harmonious yet dynamic structure.
Barnet’s Transition from Figuration to Abstraction
By 1957, Will Barnet had spent over two decades refining his approach, shifting from the social realism of the 1930s to the lyrical abstraction that defined his mature style. This evolution mirrored broader trends in post-war American art, where artists sought to reconcile personal expression with universal themes. Call It Winter belongs to a series of works where Barnet abandoned literal representation, instead using form and color to evoke mood and memory.
The painting’s title hints at a narrative, yet its abstract language resists easy interpretation. Barnet’s technique here—building up surfaces with thin glazes and incised lines—creates a sense of geological time, as if the canvas itself were a record of erosion and renewal. This duality of destruction and creation aligns with the existential concerns of Abstract Expressionism, though Barnet’s work remains distinct in its quietude.
Call It Winter is less about depicting a season than about capturing the weight of passage—the way time etches itself into both landscapes and lives.
The Making of Call It Winter
Composition: Balancing Chaos and Order
Barnet’s composition relies on a grid-like armature, barely visible beneath the painting’s fluid surfaces. The central vertical axis anchors the work, while diagonal strokes introduce movement. This tension between structure and spontaneity reflects his training in both European modernism and Asian calligraphy, where discipline and gesture coexist.
Color: The Eloquence of Restraint
The limited palette—dominantly umbers, whites, and slate blues—creates a meditative atmosphere. Barnet often mixed his pigments with marble dust to achieve a matte, chalky finish, which softens the transitions between hues. The result is a surface that absorbs light rather than reflecting it, inviting prolonged contemplation.
Own This Abstract Expressionist Masterwork
This 30×40 cm (12×16") framed print captures Barnet’s textural subtleties with archival precision. Each piece arrives ready to hang, with free worldwide shipping and a 30-day return policy.
Add to Cart — Ships in 5–10 DaysDisplaying Call It Winter in Your Space
This print’s muted tones and organic forms make it remarkably versatile. In a modern interior, pair it with warm wood furnishings and linen textiles to emphasize its tactile qualities. For a more dramatic effect, hang it against a deep charcoal wall—this will amplify the painting’s subtle luminosity. The 30×40 cm size works equally well above a console table or as part of a gallery wall, where its understated elegance can anchor bolder pieces.
Is the frame included? What is its quality?
The print arrives in a gallery-quality frame with a neutral profile that complements the artwork without competing with it. The frame is crafted from solid wood with a protective acrylic glazing to prevent UV damage.
Where do you ship, and how long does delivery take?
We offer free shipping worldwide, with no minimum order. Delivery typically takes 5–10 business days, depending on your location. All packages include tracking.
How long will the colors remain vibrant?
The print is produced using archival inks on acid-free paper, ensuring color stability for decades under normal lighting conditions. Direct sunlight should be avoided to preserve longevity.
What is your return policy?
You may return the print within 30 days of delivery for a full refund, no questions asked. We cover return shipping costs if the item arrives damaged or defective.
Sources & Further Reading
- Smithsonian American Art Museum. "Will Barnet." americanart.si.edu
- The Art Story. "Abstract Expressionism Movement Overview." theartstory.org
- Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Will Barnet: The Nude Drawings." metmuseum.org
More Works by Will Barnet
Explore Barnet’s evolution through these key pieces, each reflecting his mastery of form and emotion.
You May Also Love
Further Reading
Discover more about Will Barnet’s influence and how to incorporate his art into your space.
Ready to Bring Barnet’s Vision Home?
This framed print of Call It Winter arrives ready to hang, with free worldwide shipping and a 30-day return guarantee. Own a piece of Abstract Expressionism’s quieter, more contemplative side.
Add to Cart — Ships in 5–10 Days