Steer Weather Vane c. 1941

Zabelle Missirian made this watercolor and graphite Steer Weather Vane; it looks like she was interested in representing the essence of metal. I love how the copper and green pigments create this sense of something naturally weathered, something that’s been out in the elements, part of an ongoing process of change. You can almost feel the texture of the oxidized metal, the rough and uneven surface that tells a story of exposure to wind and rain. Look at how the artist uses color to suggest depth and form; the subtle shifts in tone that bring the steer to life. The paint is applied in layers, allowing the colors to mix and mingle on the surface, creating a sense of movement and vitality. The way Missirian captures the solidity of the steer while also conveying a sense of lightness and air, reminds me of Arthur Dove. This piece offers a glimpse into how artists see the world, not as a collection of static objects, but as a dynamic interplay of forces and forms.