Goat c. 1938

This is John W. Kelleher's watercolour called Goat, and it looks like it was painted from life, capturing a sculpture on a pedestal. I can imagine the artist carefully studying the object, trying to capture its essence through delicate brushstrokes. I can see the artist using thin washes of color to build up the form and texture of the goat. Look at how the light plays across its surface, creating a sense of depth and volume. There’s something so direct and unassuming about this artwork. It reminds me of the kind of honest and unpretentious art-making that’s all about observation and skill. You know, it makes me think about the importance of seeing and really looking, not just glancing but truly observing the world around us. And it also makes me want to go paint a goat. Or maybe just look at one for a while.