Invalid's Chair 1937

Orville A. Carroll made this watercolor of an "Invalid's Chair" sometime in the 20th century, and what strikes me is the tenderness of his touch. The chair itself is not particularly remarkable, but the act of rendering it with such care elevates it. The way Carroll applies the watercolor is so delicate, almost like he's caressing the paper, that the object seems precious. Look at the subtle gradations of color in the wooden frame, the way he suggests the texture of the upholstery with tiny, controlled strokes. It's not about photorealistic representation; it's about conveying a sense of comfort, of quiet contemplation. I keep thinking about how the care that's gone into the act of painting mirrors the care that would go into nursing someone back to health in this chair. There’s something very Fairfield Porter about the simplicity and domesticity of the subject, but with a folk art sensibility. Art doesn’t always have to shout; sometimes, it whispers.