Pa. German Plate 1938

Eugene Shellady made this Pa. German Plate in watercolor, and looking at the image, I feel like he was having a pretty good day. There’s a warm, pale yellow wash that sets the tone, and then these reddish-brown, almost floral motifs kind of springing out from the center. It's like a folk art valentine, you know? Shellady's probably thinking about the person he’s making it for, maybe even humming to himself! The paint looks pretty thin, almost translucent, which gives it a light, airy feel. It’s kind of amazing how a few simple lines and colors can evoke such a specific mood. The symmetry is pleasing. This piece makes me think about other artists who are using painting to celebrate simple beauty. I can feel a connection to the generations of artists who have embraced the handmade and heartfelt. It’s a reminder that painting is really an ongoing conversation and that each artwork is a part of a much larger story.