Doll with Grey Wig - "Matilda" c. 1938

Rex F. Bush's rendering of "Matilda," a doll with a grey wig, appears to be made with watercolor or gouache, and it feels so gentle. The painting brings to mind the quiet intensity of childhood observation. I can imagine the artist carefully mixing colors, trying to get just the right shade of red for Matilda's dress. See how each button is meticulously placed, like a tiny pearl in a sea of crimson. The ruffles on the sleeves and hem suggest a delicate touch, as if the artist is caressing the fabric with their brush. Bush's Matilda reminds me of folk art traditions and the way in which everyday objects can be elevated to something precious through art. Artists are always looking at one another’s work across time, engaging in an unspoken dialogue. Painting can feel like an act of tender preservation. It's a kind of love letter, really, sent across time, inviting us to pause, to reflect, and to see the beauty in the mundane.