Foot Stool c. 1937

Frank Nelson made this drawing of a foot stool, we're not sure when, but it's rendered with delicate watercolors and a kind of loving precision. I like the way Nelson has handled the surface of the stool, he has carefully built up the colour, using soft reds and browns which give it a velvety feel. The way he coaxes the color out of the paper reminds me of Morandi, with the way he brings a quiet intensity to the process, transforming mundane objects into something deeply felt. It’s this sense of touch that makes the drawing so compelling, each stroke seems to register the artist’s attentiveness. Look at how the legs curve and taper, it almost feels like the stool is about to dance! This piece celebrates the beauty found in the everyday, revealing how even the simplest objects can be a source of endless fascination.