Early Morning 1939

This is 'Early Morning' by Will Barnet, made using woodcut printmaking techniques. It’s the stark contrast that really grabs me, black ink against the pale paper creating sharp lines and dramatic shadows. You can almost feel the artist carving away at the wood block, making decisive cuts and marks. It's direct and honest. There's a beautiful tension here between the flat graphic quality of the print and the depth of space Barnet creates. The textures in the rug, the flowing lines of the blanket, and the way the light filters into the room all pull you in. I love how the rocking chair sits empty, waiting. It makes me think about the quiet moments before the day begins, when the world is still and full of potential. Thinking about other artists, the raw, expressive woodcuts of German Expressionists like Kirchner come to mind, but Barnet brings a uniquely American sensibility to the medium. He embraces the simplicity and directness of the form, creating an image that is both intimate and universal.