Lowboy c. 1936

This drawing of a 'Lowboy' was made by Arthur Johnson sometime in the 20th century with what looks like watercolor and pencil. Look at how the maker has used these fluid lines to create the form of the table. See how they've built up layers of colour to give the wood its depth and richness? That’s what I love about drawing, the capacity to make something out of what seems like nothing. I love the contrast between the sharp, precise lines that define the edges of the table and the softer, more fluid strokes that give it volume. Notice that detail of the fan-shaped carving in the center – isn't it kind of goofy? It reminds me of some of the furniture I grew up with. There’s an almost obsessive quality to the way it's been rendered. Arthur Johnson's attention to detail reminds me of some of the meticulous drawings of furniture made by artists like Claes Oldenburg. This is a playful and unexpected take on an everyday object. It shows how even the most mundane things can become fascinating when viewed through the lens of art.