Small Figurehead 1935 - 1942

Flora Merchant made this painting of a Small Figurehead at an unknown date, using what looks like watercolor or gouache on paper. What strikes me is the way Merchant builds up the form with these small, deliberate marks. It’s not about blending or creating a smooth surface; you can see the hand at work. Look at the face, and how the shadows are defined with small, hatched strokes. The colors are earthy – ochres, reds, and blacks. She isn't trying to trick you with illusionism. The red sash, draped across the figure's chest, is particularly interesting. The paint is thin here, almost translucent, letting the paper peek through. It creates a sense of depth and movement. Then, there’s the sketch of another figure at the bottom, like she was trying out ideas, embracing the unfinished. You know, this feels a bit like Marsden Hartley's folk art portraits, in its directness and sincerity. It’s all about process, intuition, and leaving room for the unexpected.