Doll c. 1939

Cora Parker’s watercolor, simply titled “Doll,” captures a paper doll in a wispy, wistful state. Looking at it, I can almost feel Parker dabbing the paper, coaxing the colors to flow into each other, a dance of water and pigment creating these sheer washes. The doll's green blouse and the skirt patterned with fallen leaves, all held together by that sturdy brown belt – what was Parker thinking as she painted? Maybe she was reflecting on her childhood, on play, on the memories we hold so dear. There's something about the way the colors bleed, the way the details soften, that suggests a memory fading at the edges, right? It reminds me of folk art traditions, where everyday objects become imbued with personal and cultural significance. I imagine Parker in conversation with other artists across time, each one finding new ways to make their mark, share their perspective. It's a reminder that painting is really all about seeing, thinking, and feeling your way through the world.