Wooden Straight Chair c. 1938

Wilbur M Rice made this drawing of a wooden chair sometime in the mid twentieth century. You can tell it was made with care, paying attention to light and shadow. The muted palette gives the whole thing a humble, quiet vibe. It makes me think about Fairfield Porter, who took everyday scenes and made them feel monumental. Here, the wood grain is visible, creating a tactile sense. The artist uses thin layers of paint, almost like watercolor, so you can see the paper underneath. The texture isn’t just on the surface, but woven into the image itself. Check out the subtle shift in tone on the seat, where the light catches the wood. It's a simple gesture, but it brings the whole thing to life. There's a kind of conversation happening, a back and forth between the real object and its representation. It reminds me that art is always a process of discovery.