Tie-back c. 1938

Harry Jennings made this 'Tie-back' with graphite and watercolor on paper, and it's the kind of drawing where you can really see the process. The color palette is muted and earthy, lots of ochre and browns, which gives it a kind of antique feel. It's interesting how the artist uses the watercolor to build up layers of tone and texture, especially in the roses and the hand. You can almost feel the folds of the fabric or the petals of the flowers. Look closely, and you'll see these delicate graphite lines underneath the washes of color. They give the whole thing a sense of structure, like the bones of the drawing. And then there's the blank space around the object, which makes it feel almost like a specimen, pinned down for observation. This reminds me of the drawings of Vija Celmins, in the way that she renders everyday objects with such care and attention. But Jennings has a more playful, decorative touch. It’s a beautiful reminder that art doesn’t always have to be about grand statements or big ideas; sometimes, it can just be about looking closely and celebrating the simple things.