Quill Pens c. 1936

Erwin Schwabe’s drawing of Quill Pens is all about the subtle build-up, a layering of delicate marks that create something special. There’s a softness to the image, a gentle touch in how the color is applied. I like the simple color palette, mostly neutrals, and the way the textures seem to emerge through the pencil work. You can almost feel the paper, the slight tooth of it under the artist's hand. Look at the feathers, how each line contributes to the form. It’s like Schwabe is feeling out the shape, slowly and deliberately. The overall effect is very meditative. This piece reminds me a little of Giorgio Morandi's still life paintings, with their muted tones and focus on everyday objects. Both artists share a similar interest in exploring the quiet beauty of simple forms. Art is all about looking, and then looking again, each time discovering something new in the familiar.