Chalkware Greyhound c. 1941

Gertrude Koch painted this chalkware greyhound sometime in the 20th century, bringing together her trained eye and folk art sensibility. I imagine Koch starting with a light wash, layering to build up the greyhound's form, a careful and deliberate process of defining the animal's smooth coat and relaxed posture. There is a certain stillness in the image, a quiet observation that captures the essence of the subject. It makes me think about the way we memorialize beloved animals. The greyhound's gaze is gentle, its presence palpable, and its form is softened by the subtle variations in tone and texture. The thin yellow line at the base gives it a touch of whimsy, doesn’t it? Painters are always looking at other painters, wittingly or unwittingly, carrying on a silent conversation across time. Each brushstroke is a whisper in this grand dialogue, inviting us to listen, to feel, and to see the world anew.