Boy's Boots c. 1937

Harry Grossen made these two boots, in watercolour and graphite, and they stand there, almost like characters on a stage. Grossen's delicate rendering brings the boots into sharp focus, revealing every scuff and crease. He seems to relish the process of observation, allowing the watercolour to flow and pool, creating subtle gradations of tone and texture. Notice the way he captures the worn leather, the faded dye, and the overall softness of the boots. There's a palpable sense of intimacy, a feeling that these aren't just boots, but rather vessels of memory, holding the imprint of countless childhood adventures. There's something quietly moving about Grossen's dedication to these simple objects. It reminds me of the work of Fairfield Porter, in its focus on the everyday and the beauty found in the mundane. This is art that invites us to slow down, to look closer, and to find poetry in the overlooked corners of our world.