Impromptu (1929)
Helen Torr
American, 1886–1967
Oil on canvas
"Helen Torr’s Impromptu dates to the most prolific period in her career. It is, believe it or not, one of Torr’s larger paintings. The small but engaging composition exemplifies a balance of rhythm, control, and formal contrasts. A grid of squares, vertical bars, and ray-like dashes enliven overlapping circular forms and animate the painting. Carefully arranged and floating above the light-colored background, these elements demonstrate Torr’s interest in abstraction."