Plate 18: Reading Stand: From Portfolio "Spanish Colonial Designs of New Mexico" 1935 - 1942

This watercolor rendering of a reading stand from a portfolio of Spanish Colonial designs in New Mexico is such a gorgeous little study of objecthood and ornamentation. The palette is muted and earthy, and the forms are geometric, almost architectural. I'm drawn to the central motif, the stylized plant form in red, it emerges like a fountain from its vase. The artist clearly loves line, using it to define every edge and detail. I imagine them carefully layering each stroke, building up the image with precision and care. I can almost feel the artist’s presence, their focus and intention as they translate this three-dimensional object onto a two-dimensional plane. It reminds me of those early 20th-century artists who looked to folk traditions for inspiration, like Marsden Hartley and his interest in American folk art. Here is a vernacular, functional object elevated through the simple act of looking and drawing. The image becomes a celebration of craftsmanship and design that resonates with me.