Petticoat c. 1938

Mary E. Humes made this watercolor of a petticoat, and what strikes me is how she lets the earthiness of the brown pigment do the talking. The way she builds up the color, it's almost like she's layering feelings, not just paint. Up close, you can see how she uses these tiny strokes to create the illusion of texture, like the fabric is actually there. The brushwork around the embroidered hem is just so delicate and precise. But it’s not just about technique, you know? It’s like she’s trying to capture the essence of this garment, the way it feels to wear it. It reminds me of some of the work of Agnes Martin, the way she uses repetition and subtle variations to create these meditative, almost spiritual spaces. In the end, art isn’t about answers. It’s about opening up possibilities, embracing the unknown, and letting the conversation unfold.