Bonnet c. 1938

This piece is a drawing of a Bonnet, made by Francis Law Durand, who lived between 1855 and 1995. Look closely, and you’ll see the work is all about line. The density and direction of the marks describe the form of the bonnet, its curves and folds. It gives a sense of artmaking as a process of discovery, each mark building on the last to create a coherent image. I love how the texture is built up from these tiny marks. The woven texture of the bonnet’s brim contrasts with the smoother surface of the lining. Durand uses varying pressure and spacing to create a tonal range that suggests volume and depth. Notice the subtle variations in tone within the hat’s brim, achieved through meticulous hatching and cross-hatching. I always think it’s interesting how an artist's influence often seeps into later works. Think of Chuck Close and his portraiture. Art really is an ongoing dialogue across time, isn’t it?