Bonnet c. 1938

Francis Law Durand made this drawing of a bonnet sometime during his lifetime, working until 1995. What really strikes me here is the sheer, obsessive mark-making. It's like Durand is trying to capture not just the look of the bonnet, but also its essence. Look at the bonnet itself; the texture created is so meticulously rendered, you can almost feel the weave of the material. Durand uses a limited palette, mostly muted tones, which gives the piece a kind of quiet intensity. The ribbons, they seem to float, caught between solid form and ethereal wispiness. Notice the way the light plays on the bow, creating depth and shadow. You know, there’s something about the repetition in this piece that reminds me of Agnes Martin’s grids – that same sense of meditative focus. In the end, it’s a testament to how art can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.