Tailor's Stove c. 1939

John Bodine made this watercolor painting, "Tailor's Stove," during his lifetime. The brown and tan color palette gives the artwork a sense of warmth and age. Look at how Bodine describes the stove's surface. The paint is thin, and you can see the marks of the brushstrokes, especially in the details of the metalwork. There's a delicate balance between precision and looseness that creates a feeling of intimacy. Check out the decorative floral patterns on the side – the artist pays careful attention to detail, but also seems to make each petal slightly different. The way Bodine represents this ordinary object transforms it into something precious and worthy of contemplation. You might think of other artists such as Fairfield Porter, who found endless inspiration in the everyday. Art doesn't need to be loud or flashy to be meaningful, does it?