Shaker Dress 1935 - 1942

Lillian Causey made this watercolor and graphite Shaker Dress sometime in the 20th century. Look at how thinly Causey applied the watercolor, almost like a wash. It’s a far cry from the heavy impasto you see in some paintings, but the delicacy here feels so right for the subject. You can see the graphite lines underneath, giving structure to the forms. I wonder what Causey was thinking as she painted. Maybe she was drawn to the simplicity and practicality of the Shaker aesthetic. The monochromatic palette really emphasizes the shapes and lines. The way she captured the texture of the fabric—the soft folds of the shawl, the crispness of the collar—it's like she's inviting us to reach out and touch it. It’s a different way of seeing, thinking, and experiencing the world. It's not about perfection but about capturing a feeling, a memory, or even just an idea.