Oscar Bluemner's "Colors of May" is a tempera work on board that exemplifies the artist's distinctive approach to American modernism through vibrant, emotionally expressive color. The composition captures the essence of spring through Bluemner's characteristic use of bold, non-naturalistic hues and dynamic forms that convey the sensory experience of the season rather than literal representation. As a painter deeply influenced by color theory and emotional expression, Bluemner uses the tempera medium to achieve vivid, luminous effects that reflect his belief in color's capacity to communicate feeling and atmosphere.