Garden Lamp c. 1937

Florence Huston made this Garden Lamp, most likely in the early 20th century, in watercolor. The marks are delicate and precise, giving the piece a kind of quiet elegance. Look closely, and you'll notice how the artist uses the watercolor to create a sense of depth and texture. The leaves are rendered with such detail, it's like you could reach out and touch them. I love the way Huston uses the wash to create a diffused light, making the lamp almost glow. It reminds me of Agnes Martin's subtle use of color. The overall effect is one of understated beauty. It's a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places. It's also a reminder that art is always in conversation with other art, across time and space. And that's what makes it so exciting.