Tradesman's Sign (Indian) 1935 - 1942

Helen Gilman made this watercolor painting called 'Tradesman's Sign (Indian)' and it's really about how she sees, and helps us see. Gilman's hand is visible, and that's so important because it's like she's inviting us into the process of making. She's not trying to trick us into thinking this image is real. The colors are warm, almost like a memory. The reds and greens in the feathers are more than just decoration, they're like thoughts bubbling up. There's a looseness here, especially in the fringing of the garment, that reminds me of Arthur Dove. This work isn't about perfection; it's about feeling and seeing. Gilman reminds us that art is a conversation, a way of sharing how we see the world, one brushstroke at a time.