The Trucks c. 1965

Thomas Seawell made this artwork, 'The Trucks', using what looks like watercolour and ink, to create something that feels both immediate and timeless. The sombre palette of blacks, greys, and greens gives the piece a somber mood. There's something about the way Seawell renders these trucks, not quite head-on, that makes them feel monumental. The texture is amazing – you can almost feel the rough surface of the paper through the thin washes of color. If you look closely at the truck on the right, you’ll see how the artist uses small details, like the suggestion of the truck's name, to give a sense of realism. But it’s the slight distortion of perspective that really grabs me. It's as if Seawell is playing with our perception, making us question what we see. You know, the piece reminds me of the work of Charles Burchfield, with his moody landscapes and quirky perspectives. Both artists share an interest in the overlooked corners of American life. Ultimately, Seawell invites us to look closer, to find beauty in the mundane, and to embrace the ambiguity of seeing.