Petticoat c. 1937

Francis Law Durand’s ‘Petticoat’ is a watercolour on paper, sized about the same as a large sketchbook. I can almost feel Durand’s hand at work, carefully applying each stroke with a fine brush. The soft, translucent layers of watercolour create a delicate and ethereal quality, like a memory fading with time. I wonder what Durand was thinking as they painted this? Maybe they were fascinated by the structure of the petticoat, or perhaps they were drawn to the subtle play of light and shadow on its surface. The brown of the petticoat contrasts with the cream of the lace trim. Durand has captured the softness of the fabric with a limited palette. It reminds me of the work of other painters who found beauty in everyday objects. The overall impression is one of quiet contemplation, inviting us to slow down and appreciate the simple beauty of the world around us.