Men's Bedroom Slippers 1935 - 1942

Paul Poffinbarger made this humble watercolour painting of two slippers, we don’t know when, but aren’t they great? It’s like he really saw the slippers. I mean, *really* saw them. Each mark feels considered, each colour carefully chosen. See that little dash of blue inside one of the slippers? It's not just blue, it's a specific, almost melancholic blue, that speaks of lived experiences. It's like Poffinbarger wasn't just painting slippers, he was painting the idea of slippers. The texture is amazing, isn’t it? You can almost feel the weave of the fabric and the worn leather of the soles. The paint is thin, transparent, allowing the paper to breathe. Look at the way the colours blend, creating a sense of depth and volume. It’s the subtle details, like the slightly frayed edges, that make the painting feel so real and intimate. It reminds me of Fairfield Porter, another artist who found beauty in the everyday. But Poffinbarger has his own distinct voice, one that speaks of simplicity, honesty, and a deep appreciation for the ordinary. Art like this reminds us that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.