Pa. German Spice Jar c. 1938

Betty Jean Davis painted this Pa. German Spice Jar, we don't know exactly when, but it's a lovely, simple watercolour. The process here is all about capturing the form and decoration with minimal fuss. Look at the earthy tones, that warm terracotta offset by the muted greens and blacks. There's a real sense of material here, even though it’s just watercolour on paper. The paint is thin, transparent in places, allowing the paper to peek through, which gives a kind of luminosity. I am drawn to the way the artist has rendered the decorative elements – the tulip-like shapes, the tiny black strokes that suggest texture. It's all so carefully observed, yet has this wonderful, folksy charm. This piece reminds me a bit of the early American folk art tradition, where everyday objects are rendered with love and attention. It's a reminder that art isn't just about grand gestures; it's about the joy of seeing and the act of making.