Cigar Store Figure "Sailor" c. 1940

Hilda Olson made this "Cigar Store Figure 'Sailor'," with what looks like watercolour on paper, and the washes have a lovely soft opacity. You can see the process of building up the image, stroke by stroke. I really love how Olson captured the texture of the wood grain. You can almost feel the splintery surface beneath the paint. The artist’s hand is so present, not trying to hide the marks, but embracing the process. Look at how she uses the white of the paper to her advantage. She uses small dashes and lines to build up the light in his face. That little red kerchief in his hand; it’s like a pop of personality, a splash of boldness in an otherwise muted palette. I’m reminded of Martín Ramírez, who was also interested in working with a limited palette to create figures with personality. It makes you consider the nature of art, as Olson’s rendering embraces the beauty of the imperfect, showing that art is less about perfection and more about feeling.