Dimensions: overall: 30.6 x 22.9 cm (12 1/16 x 9 in.)
Copyright: National Gallery of Art: CC0 1.0
This drawing of a suit was made by an anonymous artist with graphite and watercolor. It feels like a record of a process. The way the drawing is made, with a focus on the details of the suit’s design, suggests a deep interest in the act of creation. The paper is light and the graphite lines are delicate, yet the watercolor gives it a robust material presence. The application of color isn't about blending, it’s more like each mark is left to do its thing. Notice the detailing of the flowers: they are all different and have their own perspective. If you look closely you can see the tiny details and the way the artist worked with a fine brush, adding layers to create a sense of depth. It's not about hiding the process, but about reveling in it. The precision in the rendering reminds me of the fashion illustrations of Erte, but with a more casual, hands-on feel. I'm left thinking about how art is just a conversation that unfolds across time, a way for artists to connect and build on each other's ideas.
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