Valance (section) c. 1936

Helen E. Gilman painted this section of a valance with watercolor. Imagine her applying these hues to the woven cotton support - a warm, light ground that evokes a feeling of comfort and domesticity. I'm thinking about the time she must have spent on this. It's not just about representing a bird on a branch; it’s a slow, deliberate process. I like to imagine what Helen was thinking as she worked—what was she listening to, or remembering? Was she striving for accuracy, or was it more about capturing a feeling? Look at the way the colors blend and bleed, creating soft edges and subtle gradations. The brushstrokes are delicate, almost tentative, which feels like she’s feeling out the form, letting it emerge gradually. Painting isn't about answers, but about the questions we ask ourselves. I think artists are always looking at each other's work. The way we respond to it, steal from it, or reject it is a crucial part of the process.