Coffee Pot c. 1938

Richard Barnett made this painting of a coffee pot sometime in the 20th century, and it's got this quiet, unassuming vibe that really draws me in. Barnett's mark-making feels so intuitive, like he's letting the brush lead the way, allowing the process to dictate the image. There’s a beautiful, earthy palette at work here, with these muted reds and browns that give the pot a kind of grounded presence. The texture is so subtle, it’s almost as if the paint itself is breathing. Looking closely, you can see these tiny variations in the surface, little whispers of the artist's hand. Notice the way the light catches the curve of the handle and how it’s been rendered, so simply, with a soft shadow on the right. Barnett reminds me a little of Giorgio Morandi, in his dedication to painting everyday objects with such care and attention. Both artists seem to be suggesting that art is all around us if we only take the time to look.