Boy's Coat c. 1937

Marie Mitchell made this watercolor called "Boy's Coat" sometime during her lifetime. What strikes me first is the delicate balance between representation and decoration. The coat is carefully rendered, but then overlaid with these lively, almost whimsical floral designs. It's like Mitchell is thinking about both the object itself, and the sheer joy of embellishment. Looking closer, you can almost feel the texture of the paper, it gives a soft feeling to the coat. The paint is applied in thin, translucent layers, allowing the ground to peek through, adding to the overall luminosity. The blue floral embroidery, especially the way they twist and turn around the button line, is a standout. It reminds me a little of some of the folk art traditions, where everyday objects are transformed through acts of loving attention. It's a reminder that art doesn't always have to be grand or imposing, it can be quiet, intimate, and deeply personal.