Zoar "Peasant" Chair c. 1941

Ralph Russell made this drawing of a Zoar "Peasant" Chair with watercolor. Look closely and you can see how Russell patiently built up color with delicate washes. It’s that kind of slow, deliberate approach that resonates with me as a painter. The beauty of this piece lies in its simplicity and the texture of the paper. There is a light grain visible across the surface of the work. The thin application of the medium creates a sense of transparency. Notice the way the subtle tonal shifts in the seat of the chair imply the way light might strike the physical object. It's not just a representation, it’s an experience. Looking at this piece I’m reminded of Agnes Martin and her pared down, minimalist style. Both artists, though working in totally different genres, share an interest in finding the profound in the everyday. In the end, art is all about dialogue and finding new ways to see and experience the world.