Wooden Scotchman c. 1937

This ‘Wooden Scotchman’ was made by Florian Rokita at an unknown date. The careful way the watercolor’s been applied gives the piece an illustrative, graphic quality. It’s as if Rokita is building up a character, layer by layer, with each brushstroke. Look closely, and you’ll see how the colors aren't blended; they're laid down next to each other, especially in the kilt. Rokita isn’t trying to hide the process. He’s letting us see the nuts and bolts of how this image is constructed, almost like a diagram. I love how Rokita focuses on the details, especially the boots, with their diamond pattern and the buckles. Those little touches give the figure a sense of personality and individuality. It reminds me of the work of Archibald Motley, another artist who paid great attention to the fashion and style of his subjects. In the end, it’s not just about representation, it’s about capturing the spirit of a person.