Spur c. 1938

This watercolor entitled 'Spur' was painted by Robert W. R. Taylor; but when, exactly, remains a mystery. Look closely, and you'll see how the watercolor paint is applied in thin, deliberate layers, building up the texture and form of the spur. I imagine Taylor carefully studying the object, trying to capture its intricate details and worn surfaces, maybe even feeling the weight of it in his own hand. Think about the way Taylor has handled the colors – the muted browns and grays, the subtle shifts in tone. These choices evoke a sense of age and history; you can almost feel the grit and the dust, the long rides across dusty plains, and the hard work that this tool represents. I wonder if Taylor himself ever rode a horse wearing a spur like this, or if he just admired it as an object of craftsmanship and utility. All artists draw inspiration from what’s come before, and Taylor's close attention to detail reminds me a little of the precision and care found in the work of earlier masters.