Santo 1938

Eldora P. Lorenzini made this watercolor called 'Santo' in 1938. You can see how Lorenzini approached the piece as a study, depicting the same Santo from various angles on the page. It’s like she’s walking around it, trying to understand its form. The palette is earthy, mostly browns and reds, giving a sense of the material’s physicality. The paint is applied in thin washes, allowing the paper to breathe. Look at the way she renders the folds of the monk’s robe; it’s not about perfection but about capturing the essence of the texture. The lines are soft, almost hesitant, giving a sense of humility to the work. It reminds me a little of Milton Avery, in the way he used simple shapes and colors to convey a feeling. I think both artists show us that art is about seeing and feeling, not just about perfect representation. It’s about embracing the imperfections and finding beauty in the process.