Untitled 1953

Dorothy Dehner made this untitled artwork using watercolor and ink on paper. The washes of color remind us that art is a process, with each mark building upon the last. Looking at the surface, the washes of ink create a feeling of depth and atmosphere. The linear details made with a fine pen, add a layer of precision and detail. I find myself drawn to the way Dehner balances the fluidity of the watercolor with the controlled lines of ink. Notice the red shapes on the right of the piece and how the lines work together. It reminds me that art is about finding balance between different elements. This piece has a similar feel to the work of Paul Klee, in its playful approach to form and space. Dehner invites us to see the world in new ways, to embrace uncertainty, and to find joy in the process of discovery.