Bench 1935 - 1942

Dana Bartlett made this 'Bench' with watercolor, probably en plein air, out in the open. The artist’s hand is really present here in the delicate layering of color, building up the form of the bench bit by bit. You can almost feel the sun on the wood, each plank rendered with subtle variations in tone. The surface is dry and matte, a quiet observation of this everyday object. Look at the knothole on the seat, painted with such care, it's like a little abstract painting in itself. It reminds me a bit of Fairfield Porter, that same attention to detail, that same kind of humility. Ultimately, it's the way Bartlett lets the watercolor do its thing, not forcing it, but allowing it to settle into its own quiet beauty, that makes this little painting so special. It's a reminder that art doesn't always have to shout to be heard.