Iron Kettle c. 1939

Here's Herndon Hightower's "Iron Kettle", created with brown and umber washes. I bet Hightower worked methodically, watching how the wash settled into the paper, almost like he was developing a photograph. I can imagine Hightower carefully building up the layers, each stroke defining the form of the kettle, the three little legs, and long handle. The paper seems to have soaked it all up. The different shades create texture and a sense of age. It is an image of rusticity and simplicity, elevated through art. Looking at this painting, I’m reminded of other artists who find beauty in the mundane, like Morandi with his bottles. Each artist teaches us to slow down and look again. And by doing so, we can find unexpected connections between art, life, and the simple objects we often overlook.