Bootjack c. 1937

Augustine Haugland made this drawing of a bootjack sometime in the 20th century, using what looks like watercolor or gouache. The way the colours seep and bleed into the paper suggests a real openness to chance and flow. I love how Haugland approaches the wood grain, letting the texture do its thing. See how the vertical lines of the grain are not perfectly parallel, but rather swell and contract with a rhythm all of their own. And the artist respects this, following the lead of the material rather than trying to impose a rigid order. The warm browns and tans evoke a sense of earthiness and simplicity. This focus on humble, everyday objects reminds me a little bit of Morandi. There’s a similar attention to the quiet dignity of simple forms. Ultimately, this is a drawing that celebrates the beauty of the ordinary and invites us to slow down and appreciate the world around us.