Our Lady of Guadalupe (Bulto) c. 1938

Majel G. Claflin painted this watercolour of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a bulto, on paper. The figure emerges in shades of black and red, standing on a light wooden base. Looking at it, I can imagine the artist studying every detail of the sculpture, from the carved patterns on the Virgin's cloak to the tiny angel at her feet. I wonder what Claflin was thinking as she painted? Perhaps she was fascinated by the folk traditions and the artistry of the sculpture, or maybe she was drawn to the spiritual presence of the icon. The paint is thinly applied, almost translucent, allowing the light to pass through. Notice how each brushstroke seems to capture the essence of the original carved object. The smoothness of the paper and the transparency of watercolour makes the wood texture almost tangible. Artists learn from other artists, echoing and reimagining each other’s work across time. This painting is a record of one artist’s encounter with another’s creation. Painting is a conversation, full of respect, curiosity, and a desire to see the world through someone else's eyes.