Pa. German Small Plate 1938

Eugene Shellady made this watercolour of a Pa. German Small Plate. The painting captures the essence of folk art with its simple yet striking design. I imagine Shellady carefully layering the watercolor, coaxing out the star’s geometric form. I bet he felt connected to a lineage of craftspeople, each adding their voice to the tradition. It feels like a conversation across time, each brushstroke resonating with those of artists past and future. Look at the border – it’s not just decorative, it’s like a frame holding the star in place, giving it space to shine. And that star, with its slightly wonky points, feels so immediate and personal. The way the colors bleed into each other. It’s a reminder that painting isn’t just about representation; it’s about feeling, intention, and the sheer joy of making.