Shaker Cape 1935 - 1942

Frances Bruner made this watercolor and graphite rendering of a Shaker Cape, date unknown. What strikes me about this piece is the meditative quality of the marks and the muted palette; it's all very subtle, quiet, and devotional, reflecting the Shaker aesthetic of simplicity and utility. The rendering is so delicate. Bruner uses thin, transparent washes of color, building up tone and volume with the barest whisper of paint. Look at how the folds of the cape are suggested with subtle gradations of shadow, creating a sense of depth and form. I love the way the graphite lines dance across the surface, defining the edges of the garment with understated grace. Notice the careful attention to detail in the rendering of the hood and the ribbon, which adds a touch of softness to the otherwise austere composition. Agnes Martin's serene and minimalist paintings come to mind. Like Martin, Bruner finds beauty in simplicity, using subtle variations in tone and texture to create a sense of harmony and balance. This piece reminds us that art can be found in the most unexpected places.