Before Dinner

For a while I thought Bonnard's paintings were a little on the mushy side, but I saw his exhibition at the Met in a new light. Bonnard worked from a stockpile of scribbles, sketches and small watercolour studies to produce his paintings. Samples of his reference material was on display. He never worked directly from life, not wanting reality to overinfluence his highly personal creative process.

I have often said that I am disappointed with typical watercolors per se. But just look at the richness of the medium in the hands of the master! Admittedly, there is a bit of gouache in the sketch below.