Happy February! This month I’m exploring four pieces I love that are all about love. Whether through soft pastels or bold, contrasting tones, the way different artists use color to evoke emotions is always so captivating to me. These four love-inspired works stand out because they use color in distinct ways to capture the essence of love, without overtly showcasing raw emotion. Here’s a closer look at why these pieces resonate with me.
01. The Kiss by Egon Schiele
What I love most about Egon Schiele’s The Kiss is its raw, expressive style. The figures are loosely sketched against a warm peachy-pink background, giving the scene a feeling of closeness and intimacy. The solid ivory color layered behind creates a soft contrast, framing the figures effortlessly.
The simplicity of the piece and presence of negative space adds a sense of quietness, almost as if the outside world is fading away. It feels like an invitation into a moment—simple, intimate, and immersive.
02. Searching For A Heart Of Gold by Robert Robinson
Robert Robinson’s Searching for a Heart of Gold brings a messy yet soft and delicate approach. The palette is a blend of pastel shades—light pinks, golden yellows, soft lavenders, and blues—that create a calm, dreamlike mood. The lightness of the colors makes the whole piece feel airy and introspective.
There’s an organic flow to the composition—nothing feels forced. It feels like a visual representation of the freeing, safe feeling of being loved, imperfect yet beautiful.
03. Love is the Word by Maria Murphy
Maria Murphy’s Love is the Word takes a whole different approach, bursting with boldness and energy. I love how vibrant reds dominate the piece, creating a sense of dynamic, lively movement.
The vivid, fiery red tones contrasted with soft lines bring visual interest, warmth, and excitement, capturing how love is always evolving in some way.
04. Mini Heart Pink Red Acrylic Painting by Ron Giusti
Ron Giusti’s Mini Heart Pink Red Acrylic Painting is the simplest of the four, but just as striking. The piece consists of a bold overlapping heart painted in bright red against a pink background. The pink color brings a sense of tenderness, while the bold red hue introduces an element of intensity.
There’s a minimalist quality to this piece— a gentle reminder of love’s uncomplicated beauty. The piece feels light, playful, and optimistic. It isn’t perfect—drops of paint left purposely untouched —yet it is captivating. It feels like a visual breath of fresh air—a clean, unpretentious exploration of love in its most straightforward, yet still meaningful, form.