Bank Camel c. 1940

William O. Fletcher made this delightful ‘Bank Camel’ using pencil and watercolor, and I love how the drawing captures the essence of the object, not trying to be too slick. There is a certain charm to the handmade that sings from this simple composition; the camel rendered with delicate pencil lines, then softly, almost timidly, filled in with watercolor. Look closely, and you'll see the slight imperfections, the hesitant strokes that reveal the artist’s hand, adding to the work’s intimate appeal. The sandy hues of the camel contrast subtly with the ochre, grey, and crimson saddle. The slight awkwardness in its anatomy lends the piece a unique character, like a beloved toy drawn from memory. It reminds me of early Hockney, a similar lightness of touch, a focus on line, and an unapologetic embrace of simplicity. Art isn’t about perfection; it’s about feeling and seeing, and this camel has got that in spades.