Cigar Store Indian c. 1939

This watercolor, Cigar Store Indian, was made by Michael Riccitelli in the late 20th century. It's all about process, a delicate dance of layering color and carefully observing the world. Look closely, and you can see how Riccitelli built up the image, stain upon stain. It’s not about photorealism but more about capturing the essence. The figure emerges through subtle gradations of tone; see how the pinks and oranges, mixed with earth tones, create a warm, inviting feel. The textures are so tactile; you can almost feel the rough wood of the sculpture he depicts. Notice the detail in the carved headdress and the way the light catches on the folds of the drape. It reminds me of Alex Katz, who, like Riccitelli, seems to relish the materiality of paint. Ultimately, art is about seeing, feeling, and thinking. This piece is an invitation to embrace complexity and ambiguity.