Dimensions: overall: 30.2 x 23.2 cm (11 7/8 x 9 1/8 in.)
Copyright: National Gallery of Art: CC0 1.0
Gladys Cook made this drawing, titled "Belt," using what looks like graphite and watercolor. The pastel floral pattern is so delicate. It reminds me that artmaking can be a gentle, intimate conversation between the artist and the paper. There's something really lovely in the way the colors are layered; soft pinks and blues intertwine, creating a subtle depth. The graphite sketch alongside the belt, it's like Cook is showing us her process, her thinking as she figures out how to represent this object. I love the texture of the paper, too. It's not perfectly smooth, which gives the drawing a kind of raw, honest feel. Notice how the colors aren't blended perfectly, allowing the texture of the paper to peek through. This feels like an invitation to get up close, to really see how it was made. This reminds me of the drawings of Elizabeth Murray, who also had a knack for making everyday objects feel monumental and deeply personal. Art, like life, is an exchange of ideas, a weaving together of different voices and perspectives.
Be the first to comment and join the conversation on the ultimate creative platform.