Too Late to Change, The Saturday Evening Post story illustration, August 19, 1950 1950

Robert G. Harris crafted this illustration in 1950 for The Saturday Evening Post, probably with oils. Look at how the light glazes across the woman’s face and reflects off her satin robe. I can almost feel the artist’s hand at work here, layering thin washes of color to build form and depth, like a watercolor but with the richness of oil. What was he thinking as he painted this scene? Maybe about the push and pull between control and spontaneity. The way the sharp, crisp details of the woman and the piano contrast with the pink soft background suggests a story unfolding. I’m drawn to the way the edges fade in and out, creating a sense of mystery. It reminds me of a Morisot, where the artist uses light to evoke a mood, a feeling. It’s like they’re whispering secrets to each other, these painters across time, sharing ideas and inspiring each other's creativity.