Wagon Bench c. 1938

Vincent P. Rosel made this watercolor painting of a "Wagon Bench," and what strikes me is the artist's touch. Look at how the blues and grays mingle on the surface, giving us this weathered, almost ghostly impression of the wood. You can see the process, the way he layered the washes to capture the grain and texture. I can imagine him carefully observing the light as it hits each plane, trying to understand the simple geometry and rustic craftsmanship of the bench. For me, it’s like Rosel is having a quiet conversation with the object. Thinking about how it was made, used, and has aged over time. It reminds me that painting isn't just about representation; it’s a way of looking, feeling, and connecting with the world around us. It’s a way of seeing the poetry in everyday things.