Untitled
1975
pastel
From the collection of Museum of Modern Art
1975
pastel
From the collection of Museum of Modern Art
You see a tabletop covered in everyday things: a coffee cup, a bowl of fruit, a newspaper, and a few books. Beal painted this in the 1970s, when most artists were doing abstract work. He chose to draw ordinary objects instead, using soft pastel sticks that smudge easily. The colors feel warm and a little messy, like a quick sketch—but it’s not. It’s careful and quiet. If you like how this looks, try searching for the technique: pastel.
