Bootjack c. 1937

Augustine Haugland rendered this bootjack in brown and beige tones, with a clear attention to the wood grain. I'm imagining him carefully observing the object, trying to capture every detail with watercolor. It’s a humble subject. I can picture him really studying this mundane object, the way its surface absorbs light, the irregularities that make it unique. I see the subtle variations in tone. He must have been very observant, patiently layering the washes to create depth and dimension. When you look closely, you see that the whole drawing shimmers with his attention and is imbued with a quiet dignity. It reminds me a bit of Morandi who spent his career painting the same bottles over and over. Like him, Haugland elevates the ordinary to something almost sacred. It reminds us that beauty can be found anywhere, if we just take the time to look.