Doll and Dress c. 1937

Mary E. Humes made this watercolor drawing of a doll and dress. The muted colors and simple, direct marks suggest artmaking as a heartfelt, intimate process. The dress, rendered in shades of blue, dominates the composition with its flowing lines and delicate shading. You can almost feel the fabric's texture, slightly rough yet soft to the touch. Look closely, and you'll notice the small sketch of the dress in the corner. It’s a peek behind the curtain, showing us the artist's process. Notice the hem of the dress. There is a brown band. From there you can just see the doll's little boots peeking out, grounding the figure. The drawing reminds me of the work of Bill Traylor, particularly in its directness and unpretentious charm. It's like they're both having a quiet conversation across time about art, play, and the beauty of simplicity. And really, that's what art is all about, right?