Parasol c. 1938

This 'Parasol' by Douglas Cox, who lived between 1855 and 1995, looks like it was made with watercolor, maybe with some ink detailing. You can almost feel the artist working through the challenge of representing form and light using such a delicate medium. The colors are muted, almost faded, giving the whole piece a nostalgic air. The texture looks smooth, the paint thin and translucent, allowing the paper's surface to peek through. It's especially noticeable in the umbrella's plaid pattern, where the lines waver slightly, giving the piece a handmade feel. Look closely and you can almost see the individual strokes that build the umbrella’s form. It reminds me a little of Fairfield Porter’s watercolors, domestic scenes captured with a similar gentle touch. It’s as if Cox is showing us not just an object, but a moment in time, seen through a personal lens. It's the kind of piece that invites you to slow down and appreciate the beauty in everyday things.