Settee c. 1936

Arthur Johnson's 'Settee', painted with what looks like watercolor or gouache, captures a solid, functional design with a light touch. The colors are warm, mostly browns and tans, giving it a cozy, inviting feel, like something you'd find in a well-loved home. Look at the way the light hits the wood, it's like Johnson is thinking through the design as he paints, figuring out how each piece fits together. There’s a charming simplicity here, with each line carefully placed, defining the shape and structure of the settee. The seat, made of woven material, adds a tactile element. You can almost feel the texture of the weaving. It reminds me a bit of those Shaker designs, all about utility and clean lines. Like Agnes Martin, Johnson seems to be searching for something essential in the everyday. It's more than just a picture of a settee; it’s a celebration of craftsmanship and the beauty of simple, functional objects.