Bank: Policeman c. 1937

William Spiecker painted this policeman, sometime in the 20th century, probably using watercolour. It's a bit like a quick sketch, with an all-over evenness, giving the piece an unassuming feel. Look at the way Spiecker builds up the form. It's like he's feeling around, using thin layers and delicate washes, especially noticeable in the figure's face. See how the paint's almost translucent, letting the paper breathe through? It’s this simple application that really grabs me. It’s not about perfection, but about the process of trying to capture a likeness. There's something almost childlike in the way the figure has been rendered. It's reminiscent of outsider art, like James Castle for example, where the work has this very direct quality, born out of personal vision, rather than any strict training. It’s a refreshing reminder that art doesn't always have to be polished.