Artwork
Study for the painting 'Pause'
Study for the painting 'Pause' is a watercolor work on paper by Bridget Riley. It dates from 1964 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This is a watercolour by Bridget Riley from 1964. It’s a study for a larger painting called *Pause*. Watercolour lets her play with subtle colour shifts and precise lines.
Riley trained in London then worked in ads. She even designed the famous Woolmark logo. Her work plays tricks on your eyes—calm but exciting at the same time.
Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more of her art.
Overview
This 1964 watercolour by Bridget Riley serves as a preparatory study for her later oil composition titled *Pause*. Executed in a medium that emphasizes delicate tonal variations, the work foregrounds the precise linear structures that would define the final piece.
Subject & Meaning
The study explores the interplay of muted hues and intersecting lines, creating a visual field that oscillates between calm observation and subtle dynamism. The composition invites viewers to experience a quiet tension generated by the careful balance of color shifts and geometric rhythm.
Technique & Style
Riley employs transparent washes to achieve fine gradations of color, allowing the underlying paper to contribute to the overall luminosity. The linear elements are rendered with exacting control, reflecting her interest in optical perception and the measured modulation of visual space.
History & Provenance
After completing her education at Goldsmiths College and the Royal College of Art, Riley entered the commercial sector, working for an advertising agency where she designed the iconic Woolmark logo. The watercolour originates from this period of experimentation that bridged graphic design and fine art.
Context
Created during the early 1960s, the study aligns with the broader Op Art movement, which emphasized visual illusion and the physiological effects of pattern and color. Riley’s work contributes to this discourse by focusing on subtle chromatic transitions rather than overt optical vibration.
Legacy
The piece illustrates Riley’s methodical approach to composition, a practice that informed her subsequent large-scale works. It remains a reference point for scholars tracing the development of her precise, perception‑based aesthetic within mid‑century British art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Bridget Louise Riley (born 24 April 1931) is an English painter known for her op art paintings. She lives and works in London, Cornwall and the Vaucluse in France.
