Flower (Lily) c. 1937

Grace Halpin made this exquisite drawing, Flower (Lily), and I can imagine her sitting and looking, and looking and sitting, patiently observing the subtle shades of white, grey, and green that form its elegant, elongated shape. I feel so much for artists who make representational work because there's always a question of how much to imitate, and how much to invent; it's a constant negotiation. Halpin’s lily seems to be a study of the play of light upon its smooth, almost glass-like surface; it's rendered with such loving care and fine detail, that its form seems to glow, hovering against the muted background. The delicate curl of its stem is particularly interesting, as it adds a touch of dynamism to the piece, and reminds me of the linear elegance of Art Nouveau. I find it so interesting to observe how artists across different eras are in dialogue, finding new ways of seeing and representing the world around them.