Andirons c. 1938

Ray Price’s “Andirons” are simply rendered on a small sheet of paper, but there’s a playful quality in the way the artist uses line and color to depict the metalwork. You can see the hand of the artist in the slightly uneven rendering of the forms. The ochre and brown washes give the impression of shiny brass catching the light, and the fine details of the claw feet and spiraled columns are carefully observed. The artist hasn’t tried to hide the process here. The thin washes allow the paper to breathe, and the color is subtly modulated to create a sense of depth and volume. Look at the slightly trembling lines and the off-kilter perspective. It's like the artist is saying, "Here's how I see these objects, with all their quirks and imperfections." It reminds me of Charles Sheeler's precise yet loving depictions of everyday objects, a celebration of the beauty found in the mundane. Ultimately, this small painting is a testament to the power of observation and the joy of making.