Stool c. 1937

Frank Wenger made this drawing of a stool, we don’t know when, using graphite and watercolour. What strikes me about the picture is how deliberate it is, each line carefully placed, like a meditation. You can almost feel the texture of the stool, the plushness of the dark seat contrasting with the smooth, polished wood of the frame. Wenger uses watercolor in thin washes, allowing the paper to breathe through. The color is restrained, almost monochromatic, with subtle gradations that give depth and form. Look at the curved legs of the stool. See how the artist has captured the light as it reflects off the surface? It's details like these that bring the object to life. It reminds me of those meticulous drawings by Agnes Martin, where every mark is a testament to the artist's focus. Both artists share a similar approach, which embraces simplicity and precision as a way of seeing the world. It's a reminder that art isn't always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it's about finding beauty in the everyday.