Roses c. 1883

William Merritt Chase made this pastel drawing, "Roses," with chalk pastels on paper. Pastel's interesting because it sits between drawing and painting, and it's a very direct medium - you're face-to-face with the surface. Chase lays down hues of light and shadow with immediacy, so it's almost like you're seeing his process in real time. You can see the strokes of different colors building up the forms of the flowers and vase. The marks are clearly visible, yet they coalesce to give the impression of light playing across the velvety petals of the roses. What strikes me about Chase's choice of pastel is its accessibility. It was not just for virtuoso performances; the medium was accessible to amateur artists and students. Chase himself was a renowned teacher, and this drawing perhaps speaks to his commitment to making art education more available. It's a reminder that art isn't just about the finished product, but about the joy of making and learning.