Doll 1935 - 1942

David S. De Vault made this watercolor of a doll at some point in his long life. The piece embraces a soft, almost faded palette that gives it a gentle, aged quality. The charm of this piece lies in the imperfections of the watercolor. You can see the slight pooling of color around the doll's dress and the delicate bleeding of the pinks into the checkered pattern. It feels like a quiet, intimate moment, a glimpse into the artist's world. The dress itself is fascinating. De Vault doesn't try to hide the process, the slight wobbles in the lines, and the way the colors shift. It's humble, but it's also what gives the piece its soul. It reminds me a bit of some of the folk art I've seen, with its unpretentious approach and emphasis on capturing the essence of the subject. Ultimately, it's a reminder that art doesn't always have to be perfect to be profound.