Tie-back c. 1941

Harry Jennings made this watercolour 'Tie-back', we're not sure exactly when, but the controlled blending and subtle tonal variations speak to a patient, process-oriented approach. The way Jennings builds up these leafy forms is so interesting. Look at how the leaves almost seem to curl and twist, as if they're caught in some kind of silent dance, or maybe just aging in place, becoming earth. It makes me think about the tactility of painting. About getting your hands in there, working the surface, and letting the medium do its thing. There's a tension between control and letting go, you know? Look at the details of the foliage. You can almost feel the texture of the leaves, and you can see that he has used a very fine brush for these small, careful touches. The overall effect reminds me a little of Charles Burchfield's stylized landscapes, with their emphasis on organic forms. Art is all about this ongoing conversation. It's not about having all the answers, but about embracing the questions and seeing where they lead.