Side View of Blanket Chest c. 1936

Martin Partyka made this drawing of a blanket chest with what looks like watercolour on paper. The even application of colour gives a kind of flattened, graphic feel, which reminds me of early comic strips. The way the artist has described the wood grain is a fascinating process in itself. There’s something really lovely about the simple palette; the restrained use of colour emphasises the lines and shapes. Look at the shadow – it’s like the chest is stuck to its own little doormat! That red-pink inlaid pattern makes the whole piece, it has a subtle folk-art quality. It has this charming awkwardness that makes you want to reach out and touch it. There is a focus on process, as if the artist were saying ‘look at how this was made’. The way Partyka has approached this drawing reminds me of Agnes Martin’s work, in that they are both working with limited means, but expressing so much. There’s a real sense of quietness.