Woman's Costume c. 1936

Elizabeth Moutal made this drawing of a Woman's Costume, we don't know when, but it looks like watercolour on paper. What really grabs me is the subtle palette – a beautiful sepia tone that feels both historical and timeless. The costume itself is rendered with such delicate detail, you can almost feel the texture of the fabric. Moutal's application of watercolour is so thin and transparent, yet she manages to create a sense of depth and volume. Look at the way the light catches the folds of the skirt, it's so softly done. Next to the detailed costume is a more sparse line drawing. It has a totally different feel. Moutal's work reminds me of Agnes Martin, in the sense of quiet observation. Like Martin, she transforms everyday images into something meaningful. I love how Moutal embraces ambiguity, inviting us to bring our own experiences to the piece.