Zoar Cherry Bonnet Cabinet c. 1938

Angelo Bulone rendered this Zoar Cherry Bonnet Cabinet in watercolor, and what strikes me is the patient observation in his process. He's clearly taking his time, working with thin washes to capture the character of the wood. Bulone is letting the grain speak, using subtle shifts in color to describe the texture. See how the light catches the top edge, that soft glow? The botanical motifs are charming, aren't they? Placed in the panels of the cabinet door, it’s like a garden has been quietly superimposed on functional furniture. It reminds me of Charles Burchfield's watercolors, that same reverence for the everyday, a quiet beauty found in the humblest of places. Ultimately, it's a tender reminder that art doesn't always need to shout. Sometimes, it whispers.