Copper Foot Warmer c. 1937

Edward Loper made this watercolor and graphite drawing of a Copper Foot Warmer. Loper has such a keen eye, hasn't he? It’s all about the warmth of the copper tones against the cool paper. Look at the way he’s built up the color in layers, letting the graphite lines peek through - it’s like he's inviting us to witness the art-making process itself. The surface has this almost metallic sheen, which is funny considering it’s just watercolor on paper, right? It’s incredible how he suggests the worn texture of the copper, those subtle dark patches and marks that tell a story. I love the way the light catches on the rounded top and the brassy details, too. It's not just a drawing of an object; it’s a meditation on light, texture, and form. You could compare it to the work of someone like Giorgio Morandi, who turned humble objects into profound studies of perception and being.