In the painting titled Straw Hat 1 by Alex Katz, the viewer is presented with a close-up portrait of a woman, focusing on the right side of her face and her intricately patterned straw hat. The composition is cropped tightly, highlighting the woman's eye, part of her nose and lips, and a portion of her hair, which frames her face.

The woman's eye is depicted in a clear, sharp manner, capturing a reflective, thoughtful gaze. Her lips are painted a soft, vibrant red, adding a pop of color to the otherwise muted tones of her skin and hair. The hat, a prominent element in the painting, features an intricate weave of light and dark strokes, creating a textured pattern that contrasts with the smoothness of her face.

Katz's signature minimalist style is evident in the clean lines and the broad, flat areas of color that define the subject's features. The use of minimal detail is balanced by the rich texture of the hat, which adds depth and interest to the composition.

Straw Hat 1 showcases Katz's ability to capture the essence of his subjects with simplicity and elegance. Through his expert use of color and composition, Katz invites the viewer to engage with the subtle details and the quiet beauty of the portrait, highlighting the interplay between the woman's features and the intricate design of her straw hat.