When evening came, troll mother and the boy sneaked out of the mountain. They carried the trolls' cauldron between themselves on a stick 1914

John Bauer made this illustration of a troll mother and boy sneaking through the woods, with what looks like watercolor, probably sometime in the early 20th century. I love the way the colors work here – a muted palette of greens, browns, and blues that create a sense of depth and mystery. The surface is built up with these tiny little brushstrokes, almost like he's stitching the scene together. There's a real tenderness in the way Bauer renders the textures, especially in the troll's clothing. If you look closely, you can see the delicate folds and creases, each one carefully articulated with subtle gradations of color. The trees tower over the figures, but the light, ethereal and dappled, brings the scene to life. The whole thing feels a little like looking at an Arthur Rackham, but there's a bit more grit, a little more humor. It reminds me that art is all about conversation and exchange, about building on what came before while also forging your own path.