Figurehead 1935 - 1942

This watercolor painting shows a female figurehead, probably rendered from a drawing, maybe even from life. I can imagine the artist closely observing its shape, studying the light and shadow, and contemplating its form. The anonymous painter uses light and shadow to bring the figurehead to life. The warm, muted color palette, the delicate rendering of the figure's features, the folds of her dress, her upward gaze, and the carved base give the piece a sense of depth and volume, as though it could leap off the paper. Look at the line where the artist has defined the edge of the dress; it’s kind of wonky and insecure. I find myself relating to those slightly awkward lines. Painting is like this, always shifting and emerging through trial, error, and intuition. I imagine the artist and myself in an ongoing conversation, exchanging ideas across time.