Doll with China Head c. 1941

J. Herman McCollum made this Doll with China Head out of watercolour. Look at how he’s applied the paint in delicate layers, building up the textures of the doll's dress and the soft glow of her porcelain face. It really makes you think about the care and time that goes into artmaking. There’s something so tender about the way McCollum renders the fabric of the doll’s clothes. See the intricate plaid pattern, how each line is carefully placed, and how the light catches the ruffles of lace along the front of the dress? It's not just a doll; it's an intimate portrait of a cherished object, transformed through the act of painting. The translucent washes and subdued palette add to the dreamlike quality. The paper is left bare in many places, heightening the ethereal quality of the work. This piece brings to mind the work of Bill Traylor, another artist who found beauty and narrative in everyday subjects, imbuing them with a quiet, profound dignity. Ultimately, it invites us to slow down, observe closely, and find beauty in the overlooked corners of our lives.