From Buttermilk Hollow 1943

Milton Avery made this pen and ink drawing, "From Buttermilk Hollow," on a page torn from a spiral-bound notebook. The spontaneity of the work is striking, as the artist moved the pen across the paper to capture the essence of the landscape before him. The quick, almost scribbled lines create a sense of movement and energy. You can almost feel the breeze rustling through the trees. The choice of pen and ink, humble materials, speaks to Avery’s direct approach to art-making, one focused on the act of seeing and recording, rather than elaborate techniques. The work is about capturing an experience, a moment in time, not crafting an idealized image. Consider the labor involved, or rather, seemingly not involved. Avery rejects the notion of art as precious object, instead embracing the immediacy of a sketch. This brings so-called "high" art closer to everyday experience. Ultimately, this unpretentious approach invites us to appreciate the beauty of ordinary scenes and the power of simple tools.