Nightgown c. 1938

Rex F. Bush rendered this nightgown in pencil and watercolor on paper sometime in the 20th century. I'm imagining Rex sitting in his studio, squinting his eyes, carefully studying every little detail of that nightgown. He probably wanted to capture the delicate fabric, the ruffles, the embroidery. Think about how the soft, muted colors create a sense of calm and tranquility, like a lullaby before sleep. There is an intimacy and vulnerability to the work; an appreciation for the simple beauty of everyday objects. Rex shares with other artists the desire to create a sense of depth and texture using only lines and washes. Nightgown is a testament to the power of art to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. It reminds us to slow down, to appreciate the small things, and to find beauty in the unexpected.