United States, 1970s
Painted by the American artist Susan Shatter on the Greek island of Ios in 1975, this stunning watercolor depicts in sandy earth tones the hilly interior with a white-washed village settlement to one side. This work measures an impressive 49" x 156". No other medium has watercolor's blend of luminosity and directness, and none requires so sure and responsive a touch. With formidable skill, Shatter maintains in this painting a spontaneous, almost emotional effect even at this immense scale.