Figurehead from "Julia Lawrence" 1935 - 1942

Rosamond P. Gray made this drawing of a figurehead from "Julia Lawrence", using subtle washes of color, sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. Imagine her, carefully observing the wooden sculpture, trying to capture its essence on paper. The soft palette, predominantly off-whites and muted grays, gives a sense of age and timelessness. I am sympathetic to Rosamond’s task. How can you possibly take something monumental and bring it into the realm of the intimate? She works with precision and care. The lines are delicate, and the shading is subtle, creating a sense of depth and form. See the way she renders the folds of the figure's garment, hinting at the underlying structure and weight. Look at how the figure is gazing upwards, a gesture imbued with hope. Painters are constantly looking at each other's work, finding new ways of seeing and feeling. We’re all in conversation, across time, inspiring each other to make new messes, try new approaches. Painting, like any art form, is a way of embracing uncertainty, of allowing for multiple readings and possibilities.