Trees, Bench, Walk 1959

Donald Greason made this brown ink drawing, Trees, Bench, Walk, probably in 1959. Look at the lean of the tree, how it bends down as if to meet the bench. Then you notice that everything sort of leans, the whole thing seems to be falling to the left. What does it mean? Is it just the viewpoint or is there something sad, or maybe even funny, about this scene? I imagine Greason outside with his sketchbook, making quick marks to capture this view. The sepia ink gives it such a dreamy, wistful feel. I can almost feel his presence there, the artist looking, making choices about what to include and what to leave out. The texture is spare, almost nervous, but with a calm simplicity. I love how artists like Greason can show us something ordinary in a new light, encouraging us to stop and really see. And you realize, art is just life, filtered through the hand and eye.