Stringed Harp c. 1939

Grace Thomas made this 'Stringed Harp' with what looks like watercolor and pencil, and its charm lies in its directness. You can see her process so clearly. The palette is earthy – browns, creams, and grays – giving it a grounded, almost antique feel. There’s a wonderful simplicity in how she's rendered the wood grain; thin lines and subtle shading create form. Look closely, and you'll notice how the texture of the paper peeks through, adding another layer of depth. I love the soft imperfections, the slight asymmetry, and the way the lines of the strings aren't perfectly straight. This piece has a quiet, unassuming power. I’m reminded of some of the early American folk artists, like Joseph Pickett, who had this incredible ability to capture the essence of a thing without getting bogged down in the details. Like them, Grace Thomas invites us to see the beauty in simplicity.