Combination Desk and Bookcase c. 1937

Ray Price made this watercolor of a Combination Desk and Bookcase, and I'm struck by how the meticulous rendering gives it a real sense of presence, as if it is glowing from within. The brown tones give it the feeling of aged wood, like a memory of furniture. There’s something about the way Price has rendered the details – the subtle variations in tone, the gentle gradations of light – that makes me think about the unseen effort in artmaking. Look closely at the wood grain, those tiny, almost invisible lines that give the surface depth and texture. It’s like he’s building up the form, one delicate layer at a time. The side view is fascinating, so austere, functional and yet beautiful in its simplicity. It reminds me of some of Agnes Martin's paintings in its delicate, measured approach. Overall, this piece shows us art is not just about the final product, but about the conversation between the artist, the materials, and the world around them.