Pa. German Shaving Basin c. 1937

Charlotte Angus made this watercolour called Pa. German Shaving Basin sometime in the mid-20th century. I love the way the artist has captured the subtle imperfections of the original object. It's like she's not just copying what she sees, but also how she feels about it. The colours here are muted, almost as if they've been aged by time, and the lines are soft and gentle. I find myself drawn to the delicate floral motifs that frame the basins. Each brushstroke seems intentional, creating a sense of texture and depth that really brings the painting to life. There is something both humble and sophisticated in the presentation; it reminds me a little of how Giorgio Morandi depicted simple household objects, elevating the mundane to something profound. It’s like Angus is reminding us to slow down and appreciate the beauty in the everyday, a concept I'm always trying to capture in my own work!