Two Women in Late 18th Century Dress n.d.

This evocative drawing of two women in late 18th-century dress was made with pen and ink, and watercolor wash, on paper. It appears to be a study for a larger painting, perhaps left unfinished. The artist, William Edward Frost, has used diluted blue ink to create a sense of volume and depth, playing with the transparency of the material to suggest the folds and drapes of the women's garments. The way the wash is applied is quite gestural, more about quickly capturing the scene rather than slowly building up a detailed depiction. The artist's hand is evident in the way he has laid down the pigment, allowing it to pool and dry unevenly, creating a textured surface. It's fascinating how the materiality of ink and paper, usually considered humble materials, can be used to such expressive effect. Ultimately, this work blurs the lines between sketch and finished piece, revealing the artist's process and emphasizing the inherent beauty of simple materials.