Mustard Pot c. 1936

John Dana made this sweet little drawing of a mustard pot, and its like a quiet study in how to make something look like glass with just a few marks. It's all about the process of seeing. The texture and color is so subtle, right? A delicate grisaille palette, with the barest hint of tone to suggest a 3-D object. Dana focuses on the patterns and the effects of light on the glass itself, which he breaks down into simple lines and subtle gradations of tone. Look closely, and you'll see how he suggests the roundness of the lid with just a few curved strokes. He even allows for the smallest degree of shadow to the bottom left of the object. This piece reminds me of the still life drawings of Giorgio Morandi. Both artists share a similar interest in the quiet observation of everyday objects, inviting us to slow down and appreciate the beauty in the mundane. It’s a lovely drawing about light and form, really.