Fish Weather Vane 1939

This is a drawing of Michael Riccitelli’s ‘Fish Weather Vane’, made with graphite and watercolor. What strikes me most is how Riccitelli uses the graphite almost like he's caressing the wood, capturing the texture and grain so tenderly. The subtle watercolor washes give it depth, but it’s really about the line work, isn't it? Look at the way each mark seems to follow the form, celebrating the physicality of this object. It reminds me of artists like Marsden Hartley who were interested in American folk art. There's this real sense of appreciation for simple, handmade things. The eye is such a perfect circle, it really draws you in. And that grain, those lines on the tail, they’re like little stories etched into the surface. There’s a quiet dignity in this piece, a nod to the beauty of everyday objects. It is like a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places.