Spectacles c. 1937

William High made this drawing, Spectacles, out of graphite and watercolor on paper. The way the glasses float on the page gives this quiet image a sense of playfulness. The paper is unadorned except for the glasses themselves and a tiny dark spot beneath the bridge. You can see the weave of the paper beneath the delicate wash of color, particularly in the octagonal frames. There’s no heavy line here, only thin strokes of graphite and transparent watercolor creating a world of subtle tones. Look closely at the hinge where the arm meets the glasses and you can see tiny details that bring this simple image alive. It reminds me a little of Agnes Martin and her delicate drawings. They both share a quietness. I don’t know if High ever saw Martin’s work, but art is always about looking, seeing, and then making. It’s one big conversation across time.