Dress 1935 - 1942

This drawing of a dress was made by Bessie Forman and presents a garment rendered with such care, you can almost feel the velvet! The color palette is quite striking, it’s almost gothic, but with a romantic twist. The deep blacks and the touches of vibrant red create a lovely contrast that makes the floral patterns pop. Up close, you can see how the different tones and textures play off each other. Look at the way the light seems to catch on the fabric, giving it a soft, almost dreamy quality. It's not just about depicting a dress; it's about capturing a feeling, a mood. This piece reminds me a bit of some of the works by Charles Demuth, who was able to find beauty in everyday objects. Just as Demuth found inspiration in the ordinary, Forman elevates a simple dress into something quite extraordinary. It’s like she’s saying, ‘Look closer, there's beauty everywhere, even in the things we take for granted.'