Child's High Chair c. 1937

Frederick Jackson made this watercolour painting of a child’s high chair. The warm, muted palette feels inviting, and the delicate lines tracing the chair's form show an appreciation for the process of artmaking itself. Look closely and you'll notice the subtle variations in tone, especially within the wooden frame. The light seems to catch each surface differently, giving the chair a sense of depth and volume. The texture is smooth, with just enough detail to suggest the grain of the wood. Take the back of the chair for example, see the small spheres running horizontally across, these have a darker outline to make them stand out from the rest of the wood. It feels grounded, like a humble object elevated through careful observation. This piece reminds me a little of Fairfield Porter. There's a similar focus on capturing the quiet beauty of everyday scenes. Ultimately, this work is a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places.