Armchair 1935 - 1942

Rolland Livingstone made this lovely watercolor of an armchair, and right away, what hits you is its quiet charm. It's all about the gentle way Livingstone works with color and line, a real testament to the beauty of process over perfection. Look closely, and you'll see the delicate washes of color that give the chair its form. The wood is rendered in soft browns, while the cushion has these cool, soothing greens and blues. It's not about bold statements but more about the subtle play of light and shadow. See how he suggests the texture of the fabric with just a few well-placed lines? It's a beautiful balance of precision and looseness. Livingstone's work reminds me a bit of Agnes Martin, in the sense that both artists find so much potential in the everyday. And like Martin, there’s a real sense of calm and contemplation in this work. It leaves you with a feeling that maybe, just maybe, art is about finding beauty in the simplest of things.