Winter Farm 1930

Frances V. Bear's 'Winter Farm' is a graphite drawing and the mark-making is something else. It reminds us that art is really about seeing and feeling the world, not just copying it. Look at the texture she's built up, especially in the large tree. The density of the marks makes it look so cold and the shading gives real depth. Then there's the layering, which creates a sense of distance. Even though the drawing is black and white, it feels like you can hear the crunch of the snow. What strikes me is the kind of patient attention to detail that draws you in, and it is like art is about having a conversation with the artist, and that the exchange of ideas goes on and on. This piece is more like the work of Thomas Hart Benton than say, Warhol, but I reckon art is not about fixed meanings. Instead, it's about embracing ambiguity and multiple interpretations.