Bicycle c. 1937

Marjorie Lee made this painting of a bicycle and, looking at it, I wonder what drew her to this subject. I love the delicate lines and soft earth tones, which give the bicycle an almost ethereal quality. It's as if she's not just depicting a machine, but capturing a memory or a feeling associated with it. The precision in rendering each spoke and chain suggests a careful observation, a deep appreciation for the mechanics and design of the bicycle. The artwork is very technical, and yet manages to feel warm. I feel like she felt close to the subject. I think that the artist’s personal touch transforms an ordinary object into something extraordinary. It highlights the beauty found in everyday life. By focusing on simple subjects like this, I believe she invites us to pause and appreciate the world around us.