Statuette of a Dog c. 1938

Yolande Delasser painted this statuette of a dog, but we don't know when or with what, exactly. The watercolour feels just right for the subject, though; a ceramic dog, with it’s slightly shiny glaze, looks good in watercolour. Delasser's painting feels more intuitive than calculated, more about the process of looking than showing off technical skill. The paint is applied in washes of greens and browns, mimicking the dog’s textured fur. Check out the way the shadow is suggested on its back, just a simple, darker tone that somehow convinces us of its form. I love how the base is rendered, each little bump outlined and filled with colour, giving it a playful, almost cartoonish feel. This piece reminds me of the work of outsider artists like Bill Traylor, who found beauty in simple subjects and used materials in unconventional ways. Delasser shows us that art isn't about perfection, it’s about seeing the world in your own unique way.