Wicker Demijohn c. 1940

Clarence W. Dawson, who lived from 1855 to 1995, made this little watercolor drawing of a wicker-covered jug. It’s an everyday object, but rendered with care. I can imagine him, sitting in his studio, perhaps looking out the window, thinking about the play of light on this demijohn, patiently layering washes of color to capture the weave of the wicker. The texture of the wicker is so beautifully captured, each strand seems to have its own unique tone and shadow. It's not just about representation; it's about capturing the essence of this humble object, its form and its function. What was he thinking about when he painted the blue top? Painters like Dawson remind us that art isn't always about grand gestures or profound statements, but can be found in the quiet contemplation of the world around us.