Vertical: January 1956Patrick Heron · 1956

Identification of Vertical: January 1956

Vertical: January 1956 is an abstract work by Patrick Heron. Created in 1956, the piece emerged during the height of Color Field Painting, a movement focused on the expressive potential of pure color and geometric abstraction. This period marked a significant shift in Heron's practice as he moved away from representational constraints toward non-figurative forms.

The artist, born in 1920 in Headingley, United Kingdom, developed a visual language that prioritized the relationship between color and space. Heron's career spanned several decades until his death in 1999. His approach to abstraction was deeply informed by his engagement with modernism and his interest in the formal qualities of the medium.

Composition and Visual Elements

The composition is defined by a series of vertical strokes that establish a rhythmic, upward movement across the surface. These lines intersect with a dense arrangement of irregular rectangular and elongated forms. The shapes are closely packed, creating a fragmented visual field that avoids rigid structural symmetry. Through the strategic use of color intensity, a sense of depth is achieved; shapes positioned in the foreground appear highly saturated, while those receding into the background transition into lighter or more muted tones.

The palette is dominated by a spectrum of blues, ranging from deep indigo to pale, translucent shades. These primary hues are punctuated by deliberate accents of white, yellow, red, and grey. Rather than blending, the colors maintain distinct identities, allowing for a direct interaction between the various hues and the geometric shapes. This interplay of color and form creates a palpable tension within the vertical structure.

Technique and Material Composition

The work is executed in oil paint on hardboard. Heron employs a deliberate layering of pigment to build a surface that pulsates with visual energy. Rather than blending hues to create gradients, the artist eschewed traditional transitions, opting instead to maintain the distinct identities of each color. This approach creates a palpable dialogue between the individual hues and the geometric shapes they inhabit.

A strong textural quality defines the surface, driven by visible brushstrokes and the application of the impasto technique. The paint is not applied uniformly; certain areas appear significantly thicker than others, creating a physical depth that interacts with the light. This variation in thickness emphasizes the materiality of the medium and the spontaneity of the application.

Related Works by Patrick Heron

The artist's exploration of color and form during this period includes Red Garden, created in 1956. This work belongs to a sequence of loosely structured garden pictures that preceded the more formal investigations of the late 1950s. Following these compositions, the artist produced 1959 January, a piece that moved away from landscape references toward the formal qualities of space and color. This shift emphasized the asymmetry of shape and the specific application of paint.

As the decade progressed, the artist's palette and structural approach continued to evolve. In March 1957, he produced Scarlet, Lemon and Ultramarine. By May 1960, the work Green and Purple Painting with Blue Disc emerged, followed by Purple Shape in Blue in 1964. These works demonstrate a sustained interest in the relationship between color tones and the spatial properties of the canvas.

The later years of the artist's career saw further experimentation with bold color combinations. In 1969, he created Cadmium with Violet, Scarlet, Emerald, Lemon and Venetian. This period reflects a continued commitment to the expressive potential of pure color and the development of a distinct visual language.