Coopers Adz 1935 - 1942

Francis Jennings made this wonderful watercolor, "Coopers Adz," and I wonder what he was thinking as he painted it. Imagine the artist studying the subtle gradations of the wooden handle, mixing browns, creams, and a bit of rosy pink. It's not just about replicating the object; it’s about capturing the light playing across its surface, feeling the weight and the curve of the handle in your hand. That sharp, curving blade—almost like a crescent moon—against the creamy paper! It seems to slice through the silence. I can almost hear the scrape of metal against wood, the satisfying thud of a well-placed cut. And what about that rough, dark head? It is so different from the smooth handle. Maybe Jennings wanted to explore contrasts, the interplay between light and shadow, the rough and the smooth. He transforms a common tool into something worthy of contemplation. It reminds me of the work of other painters, from Van Gogh's humble shoes to Courbet's stone breakers, all of whom found beauty and meaning in everyday life.