High Chair (for infants) c. 1938

Here we have Frank Gutting’s “High Chair (for infants),” made with what looks like watercolor. The careful layering of browns and blacks creates a sense of depth and volume. You can almost feel the smooth, polished wood and the slightly worn leather of the seat. Look closely at the way Gutting used subtle variations in tone to define the edges and curves of the chair. It’s a delicate dance between observation and interpretation. The thinness of the paint allows the surface of the paper to peek through, adding a sense of lightness. I love the way this piece highlights a commitment to capturing the essence of an everyday object. It reminds me a little of Fairfield Porter, who also painted domestic scenes with a similar eye for detail and quiet beauty. Gutting reminds us that even the most ordinary objects can be sources of contemplation and delight.