Toy Cannon 1938

Albert Geuppert made this drawing of a Toy Cannon with graphite and colored pencil on paper. The subtle palette and soft mark-making really speak to me about the tender nature of making. Look closely, and you’ll see the texture he builds with the side of his pencil. The colors are so gentle and soft, building a sense of warmth and tactility. Notice how he gives the metal this almost furry quality, using these soft marks that almost seem to mimic the build up of rust on old metal. The way he renders this object, like it's a fuzzy pet or a beloved toy, is really quite sweet. I’m reminded of Giorgio Morandi, who also painted everyday objects with such care and intensity. Both artists invite us to see the beauty in the mundane. Art making, for me, is all about slowing down, looking closely, and finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.