Bank Camel c. 1940

William O. Fletcher drew this Bank Camel in pencil and watercolor on paper. I can imagine him working slowly, outlining with graphite, and then carefully applying the watercolor. It’s so tender, right? Like, he’s really looking at this thing, trying to understand its form. I wonder what Fletcher was thinking about as he depicted it. Was he interested in its texture? Its history? Maybe he just liked the way it looked. I can see him being drawn to the object’s simple form and quiet presence, its sturdy legs and long neck, and the way the light plays across its surface. The camel's saddle almost looks a bit like a cake, doesn't it? It’s got these delicious pink edges that really pop. Then the tan color, which could almost be marzipan. I imagine Fletcher and other artists like him are engaged in a really deep conversation across time and place, each one bringing their own unique experiences to the act of looking and painting. It's a beautiful exchange.