Wooden Decoy c. 1937

Chris Makrenos made this painting of a Wooden Decoy, and I'm imagining him in his studio, the particular light he had that day, mixing neutral hues to match the object in front of him. The painting emerges with shifting tones of grey and brown, the artist’s eye keenly focused on the subtle gradations of color and texture of the decoy. This is not just a depiction of an object; it’s an exploration of form and surface. I feel as though I could reach out and touch it. Look at how he renders the smooth curve of the neck, how it meets the body, the simple elegance of the beak. It reminds me of other artists who have taken everyday objects and elevated them through close observation and careful rendering. It is a reminder that art is a conversation, an ongoing exchange of ideas across time, and that artists are in constant dialogue with one another, inspiring new visions.