Boy's Suit c. 1936

Frederick Jackson created this "Boy's Suit," using watercolour and graphite on paper, and what strikes me is how the simplicity of the materials allows for such detail. There's something so tender about the way the watercolour is applied, almost like a gentle blush spreading across the paper, and the graphite outlines defining the shapes of the clothing. The thinness of the watercolour allows the texture of the paper to peek through, adding a tactile quality to the piece, especially where Jackson concentrates the pigment to create areas of emphasis. Look at the zig zag pattern along the hem of the 'pants', almost like an afterthought, but actually so crucial to the overall design of the piece. It reminds me a little of Alex Katz, with the crisp rendering and focus on clean, flat areas of colour. Ultimately, it's a beautiful example of how quiet observation and technical mastery can come together to create something deeply moving.