Purse 1935 - 1942

Marion Gaylord’s ‘Purse’ appears like a small window into another world, a world of colour and intricate pattern. I wonder what it was like for her, to create this delicate study with such loving care? The gentle hatching of the darker lines, the subtle shifts in the greens and reds, yellows and creams… There is a very careful use of line to create depth and texture. The surface almost seems to shimmer before your eyes! It reminds me of the work of other artists such as Gwen John, who share the same subtle handling of tone and close observation of detail. You can see her sensitivity through the rendering of the various colours. I imagine that she wanted to capture the way the light fell on the different surfaces, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. It's a testament to the power of close observation and the joy of translating the world around us into art. Just gorgeous!