Dove Decoy 1935 - 1942

This "Dove Decoy" – the date is unknown, and the artist is anonymous – is a study in warm browns and tans. Look how the colour varies across the bird’s surface. I bet the artist had to squint and tilt their head to find those subtle changes. I wonder, did they start with a light wash and build up the darker tones? Or did they dive right in with those rich browns? The smooth finish suggests a careful, considered process, but I also see a kind of directness, a willingness to embrace the simple form of the decoy. The slight imperfections in the painting give the bird character. It reminds me that painting isn’t just about technique – it’s about seeing and feeling. It's also about sharing, inspiring, and being inspired by those who came before.