Orizaba, Mexico 19th-20th century

Editor: This watercolor, titled *Orizaba, Mexico* by Denman Waldo Ross, presents a vibrant scene. The lush greenery contrasts beautifully with the buildings. What stands out to you in terms of the artist's technique? Curator: The watercolor technique itself reveals a story. Consider how the pigment is applied – the way it interacts with the paper, its source, its cost. Ross’s choice speaks to both accessibility and the desire to capture a specific light, a mood tied to place and time. This approach democratizes art making, challenging traditional notions of value linked to, say, oil paints. Editor: That's interesting! I never considered the social implications of using watercolor. Curator: Exactly! It also makes you think about who had access to the materials and whose stories were being told through them. Editor: This has offered me a fresh perspective. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! It highlights how the materials themselves are deeply connected to the world around us.