Mrs. Haviland c. 1911

Editor: This is "Mrs. Haviland," a watercolor piece created around 1911 by John Marin. I’m struck by how the delicate washes of color create such an ethereal, almost fleeting image of the subject. What initially captures your attention when you look at this work? Curator: For me, it's that beautiful tension between capturing a likeness and the sheer joy of the watercolor medium. It feels like Marin is painting light itself, capturing Mrs. Haviland as much through the glow around her as through concrete lines. I almost feel as if she could evaporate if I looked away. Editor: I see that. The looseness of the brushstrokes, especially around the edges, really gives it that sense of transience. Do you think he was more interested in capturing a feeling rather than a precise image? Curator: Absolutely! It's less about photographic accuracy and more about capturing an impression, an emotion. I picture Marin, rapidly laying down washes, responding to the light, and capturing the essence of Mrs. Haviland’s presence, her spirit, in that particular moment. It reminds me of a memory—fuzzy around the edges, but undeniably vivid. It’s as if Mrs. Haviland is there, and isn’t…all at once. Editor: That's a lovely way to put it. It makes me think differently about portraiture in general—it's not always about perfect representation. Curator: Exactly. It’s about poetry. Perhaps that’s what every great artwork does - whispers poetry to us. Thank you for sharing that today, it’s given me pause to think. Editor: Thanks, it really opened my eyes too!