Mexican Indian Woman 1938

Olin Dows' sketch "Mexican Indian Woman" is rendered in graphite on paper, a readily available combination that lends itself to spontaneous expression. The inherent qualities of graphite, its softness and ability to create a range of values with simple pressure changes, are exploited here. Dows coaxes forth not just a likeness, but a mood. See how the repeated strokes of graphite build the texture and volume of the woman's draped clothing. The relative ease of drawing can be deceptive, however. Skilled draftsmanship takes years of dedicated practice. Dows' method, employing quick, assured lines, imbues the work with a sense of immediacy. The soft gray tones, and the economy of means, evoke the dignity of the sitter. By choosing such direct, accessible materials, Dows bridges the gap between high art and the everyday. He reminds us that profound expressions can emerge from the simplest of means.