Child's Hobby Horse c. 1937

Theodore Pfitzer made this delightful Child's Hobby Horse with what looks like watercolor and pencil. It's like he's meticulously building up the form, one careful mark at a time. You can almost see him debating each decision, which gives the piece a wonderful sense of intimacy. There's something so touchable about the surface, despite it being a drawing. The red and ochre hues create a playful balance. And I love how he's used the circular forms over the horse's body. It's not quite realism, but it gives the impression of a fuzzy texture, like it would be soft to stroke. The darks and lights are subtle and delicate. It’s charming. This hobby horse reminds me a little of the work of Bill Traylor, another artist who found beauty and simplicity in everyday life. And just like Traylor, Pfitzer encourages us to find beauty in the ordinary.