Patsy McArthur, Bathers, 2021, Charcoal and Pastel

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"Bathers" by Patsy McArthur is a contemporary figurative charcoal and pastel drawing on paper that captures a quiet, atmospheric moment … Read more "Bathers" by Patsy McArthur is a contemporary figurative charcoal and pastel drawing on paper that captures a quiet, atmospheric moment of human presence within water. The composition depicts three figures partially submerged, rendered in soft grayscale tones that blur the boundary between body and sea, memory and observation. Executed with charcoal and pastel, the artist uses layered mark-making and tonal washes to create a subtle interplay of light, shadow, and reflection across the water’s surface. The figures emerge and dissolve simultaneously, their forms modeled through gentle contrasts and fluid transitions that echo the movement of rippling waves. The restrained palette enhances the emotional register of the work, lending it a timeless, meditative quality. The artist’s technique balances realism with expressive abstraction: anatomical structure is suggested rather than defined, allowing gesture and atmosphere to dominate. This treatment invites the viewer into an intimate yet universal scene—one that evokes childhood, summer, and the sensory experience of immersion. The surrounding negative space and soft horizon line amplify the sense of openness and calm, making the composition feel expansive despite its human scale. The drawing’s surface texture, visible through the charcoal and pastel layering, adds depth and tactility, reinforcing its handmade presence. The artwork is float framed in white and presented behind museum-quality anti-reflection glass, offering refined protection while preserving visual clarity. Its elegant monochrome palette and contemplative subject matter make Bathers especially suited for modern interiors, coastal residences, and curated hospitality or residential spaces seeking a sophisticated figurative focal point. Medium: Charcoal and pastel on paper Framing: Float framed in white with museum-quality anti-reflection glass Artwork Size: 30 × 31 inches / 76 × 78 cm Framed Size: 35.5 × 35 inches / 90 × 88 cm This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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