Toco Toucan Toucano, 2020

This nine-color lithographic print, produced in Counter Editions' Margate studio, exemplifies Bernhardt's signature style. Her paintings are known for their vibrancy and balance, often employing a grid structure reminiscent of classical composition. Inspired by Andy Warhol's philosophy of artistic appreciation, Bernhardt features objects that hold personal significance to her.

'Toco Toucan Toucano' captures the essence of tropical birds, a recurring theme in Bernhardt's work influenced by her frequent visits to Puerto Rico. The creative process begins with quick, bold outlines of these shapes using bright spray paints. These forms are then filled with layers of acrylic paint, ranging from concentrated hues straight from the tube to diluted washes.

Bernhardt's masterful use of color is on full display here. Her palette is a dynamic harmony of contrasting tones, featuring pops of day-glo pink juxtaposed with earthy browns and ochre-orange. Notably, the basic geometric shapes employed (circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles) never overlap or overpower each other, contributing to the overall sense of balance in the artwork.