Night Before, November 3 1936

Kathryn Uhl made "Night Before, November 3" with graphite on paper. It's all about the marks in this piece, the way Uhl captures light and shadow with such precision. Look at the crowd, how each face is uniquely rendered with subtle variations in shading and detail. There's a real focus on texture here, from the rough bark of the tree to the soft fabric of the coats. The graphite is laid down in layers, building up a sense of depth and atmosphere. The way Uhl uses light to create drama, drawing our eyes to the figures at the entrance is just gorgeous. Think of the work of Honoré Daumier, with his social commentary and focus on the everyday. Like Daumier, Uhl seems interested in capturing a specific moment in time, a slice of life. "Night Before, November 3" invites us to reflect on the human condition. It's a quiet, contemplative piece that stays with you long after you've walked away.