Windsor Chair c. 1941

Ralph Russell made this 'Windsor Chair' drawing using graphite and watercolour. What strikes me is the artist's commitment to describing the object in all its complexity. The colour palette is deliberately restricted, and the marks are tentative, as if the artist is feeling their way around the form. The overall impression is one of quiet observation. Look at how Russell renders the wood grain on the seat, it's almost topographical. I love the subtle gradations of tone. This understated quality reminds me of the drawings of Giorgio Morandi, who also found endless inspiration in everyday objects. Art like this teaches us to slow down and really see the world around us. There’s a real beauty in that kind of patient looking.