Doll c. 1936

This watercolor "Doll," was painted by Kapousouz, who was born in 1855 and died in 1995. It's a process of layering that blushy, transparent pink to create the doll's gorgeous, bulbous sleeves and skirt. I love how the paint thins out at the edges, leaving a ghostly trace of each shape. If you look closely, you can see the sketch marks beneath. It’s not trying to be hyper-realistic; it's all about the feel of the thing. I mean, just look at the doll’s face and how it’s just a suggestion of features. The artist isn't trying to represent a perfect doll, more like a memory or a feeling of one. Kapousouz work reminds me of outsider artists like James Castle, who used humble materials to create his own world. This piece isn't about technical perfection; it’s more about intuition and a personal vision. And isn't that what art should be? An open door to seeing things in a new, unexpected way.