Weather Vane c. 1939

Louis Plogsted made this beautiful watercolor painting of a weather vane at an unknown date. The way the artist used a limited palette and subtle shading gives it a sculptural, almost ghostly presence. I can imagine Plogsted studying the object for hours, trying to capture its essence on paper. You know, that feeling when you're so focused on something, it's like you become one with it? The arrow appears sturdy and determined; a little worn. It makes me wonder about its history. Was it mass-produced, or made by a local craftsman? I love how Plogsted rendered the texture of the metal. Notice the small speckles of paint on the arrow's surface. They give it a tactile quality, as if you could reach out and feel the cool, smooth metal under your fingertips. To me, this piece embodies the spirit of American folk art, with its emphasis on simple, functional design and handcrafted details. It reminds us that even everyday objects can be beautiful. And this echoes through art history!