Young Beauty in Bonnet 

Harrison Fisher created this pastel drawing, “Young Beauty in Bonnet” and what immediately strikes you is the artist's expressive use of line and color against a warm, earthy ground. The soft pastels create an ethereal, dreamlike quality, enhancing the subject's delicate features. The composition is carefully arranged, with the young woman's face as the focal point. The diagonal lines formed by her arms and the bonnet create a dynamic movement. The splashes of orange, pink, and turquoise around her head not only complement her complexion but also evoke a sense of vibrancy. Fisher's loose, gestural strokes give the work an unfinished, spontaneous feel, reflecting the modernist interest in process over pure representation. Ultimately, it is the interplay of form and color that captivates. This focus on aesthetic qualities over strict realism signifies a shift in artistic priorities, marking a departure from traditional academic painting.