Auratum Lilies c. 1938

Minnetta Good made this print of Auratum Lilies with a lithographic crayon. It's all about subtlety and the gradual build-up of tone. Looking at this image, the lilies practically glow against the muted background. The velvety texture of the lithographic crayon gives everything a soft, dreamlike quality. Notice the way Good coaxes so much variation out of a single color. She lets the white of the paper do a lot of work, reflecting light. It’s amazing how she captures the delicate curves of the petals and the way they reach out, almost as if they’re dancing. See the little dots of ink that create the spots on the lillies? This print reminds me a little of Georgia O'Keefe. It has the same quiet intensity and focus on the beauty of natural forms. The way Good uses light and shadow to create depth and volume is masterful. Art isn't about perfection; it's about feeling and seeing in a new way.