Untitled (Sailboat Race) c. 1950

This untitled print of a sailboat race was made by William Parker Abbe, though the date is unknown, and boy, is it a gem. The colours are so crisp and clean, and the design is so straightforward, it's like looking at a vintage poster. I’m drawn to the way Abbe simplifies the boats into shapes, with flat planes of colour and bold outlines. There is this lovely interplay of light and shadow, especially in the way he renders the sails, and I love the American flag. It creates a sense of depth and movement, like the boats are actually gliding through the water. It is almost like a children’s book, but with the sophistication of a seasoned artist who knows exactly what they're doing. It reminds me a bit of Stuart Davis, with his love of geometric shapes and bold colours. Just as with Davis, it's clear that Abbe is having fun with this, and that sense of playfulness is contagious. It's a great reminder that art doesn't always have to be serious or complicated – sometimes, it can just be a celebration of the simple joys of life, like a day at the beach with friends.