Bulto, St. Francis c. 1936

Majel Claflin made this watercolour of a St Francis bulto sometime in the early 20th century. The way Claflin has applied the watercolour is interesting; loose and washy, like she's trying to catch the essence of the sculpture more than make a perfect likeness. Look at the saint's robe. See how the red and black stripes aren't quite even, and the colours bleed into each other? It reminds me that art is a process, not just a product. I love the texture of the paper coming through the thin layers of paint, especially around the edges. And that little V-neck is so simple, but it gives the whole figure a sense of depth. I also like the hands of the figure, how one is holding a book. The folk art quality reminds me of Marsden Hartley's portraits. Both artists share this direct, unpretentious way of seeing. They remind us that art doesn't always have to be slick or perfect. Sometimes, the most interesting things are the ones that feel a little rough around the edges.