Watch Case 1935 - 1942

This is Thomas Watts’ watercolor sketch for a watch case. I can tell he's working through his ideas; it's a proposal, not a finished thing. It's like seeing his thoughts on paper. Look at how he's built up the surface of the watch case with layers of green and yellow, creating this almost moss-like effect. It’s not about hiding the process; it's like he’s saying, ‘here's how it could be, layer by layer’. He's thinking about the surface, the texture, and how the colors play together, like a conversation between shades. The red outline gives definition to the form. The way the colors bleed into each other feels casual, yet considered. It reminds me a little of Forrest Bess, using color to activate form. Bess was also really interested in the kind of exchange of ideas that art can create. It's all about keeping the conversation flowing and leaving room for surprises.