Pitcher c. 1940

Van Silvay made this watercolour painting of a pitcher in 19th - 20th century America. It is the kind of painting that makes you want to sigh. I bet that Silvay was captivated by the way the light moved through the green glass, creating an infinite series of patterns. The translucence of the glass seems to have become the true subject of the work. I imagine Silvay squinting and stepping back from the object to try to capture the play of light, layering thin washes of watercolour to conjure the object on the page. Notice how they worked to capture the way the handle loops with such delicacy and precision. This reminds me of Morandi's still life paintings where humble vessels become monumental through careful observation. Silvay and Morandi remind us that painting is as much about seeing as it is about doing. It is this sensitivity to form and light that transcends time, allowing us to enter into a dialogue with other artists.