Dining Table c. 1939

Lon Cronk made this painting of a table, most likely in the late 20th century. It's an image that's been distilled, almost purified, as though Cronk is trying to capture the very essence of tableness. I get a sense that Cronk painted what he knew, maybe he was even looking at an actual table while he worked! The color is so warm and inviting, like sunlight on wood. The surface is smooth, and the lines are precise, but there’s also something a little bit dreamy about it, too. I wonder if Cronk felt a personal connection to this table, maybe meals shared, conversations had, or a sense of belonging. It reminds me of Fairfield Porter's paintings of domestic scenes – a similar feeling of intimacy and quiet observation. It makes me think about how artists are always looking at the world around them, finding beauty and meaning in the everyday.