Mill Stones 1935 - 1942

Hilda Olson made this drawing of Mill Stones with graphite and watercolor, and it's like she's inviting us to consider how an image is built, piece by piece. The grays and tans are layered on, suggesting the rough texture of the stones, almost tactile. The radiating lines carved into the stones become an exercise in perspective, each one carefully placed. It's process-oriented in the way it patiently builds form. Look closely, and you'll see how the artist allows the graphite lines to show through, giving the stones depth and a sense of weight. Those lines aren't just descriptive, they're expressive. Olson reminds me of Agnes Martin in a way. Not in the final look, but in the dedication to simple forms. Both ask us to slow down and notice the subtle nuances of color and line, finding beauty in the everyday. Ultimately, it's a testament to the power of observation and the quiet beauty of humble objects.