Pa. German Water Whistle c. 1938

Carl Strehlau made this watercolor of a Pennsylvania German water whistle, date unknown. It’s a study in warm hues, earthy browns and tans, applied with loose, playful strokes. You can really sense the artist enjoying the process of observation. Looking closely, notice the texture. It feels like the brushstrokes themselves have a kind of heft. See how the paint is both transparent and opaque. Strehlau captures light playing across the ceramic, making it look almost alive. The dark spots around the belly create an open, airy feeling. It’s like the whistle is breathing. This reminds me a little of the work of Henri Matisse. Both artists share a joy in the simple things, an appreciation for the everyday. Art doesn’t always have to be serious or profound. Sometimes, it can just be about looking closely and celebrating the beauty of a simple object.