Water or Cider Jug c. 1939

Giacinto Capelli made this 'Water or Cider Jug' drawing with ink and watercolor wash. I wonder if Capelli started with the jug in mind or the flower? I ask myself this all the time when I begin a painting. I can imagine him sketching in blue, working out these plump bulbous petals. They remind me a little bit of Philip Guston's late work, but in a softer key. The blue color is so rich and inviting, but it also sits on the surface of the paper, kinda flat. Capelli has clearly spent time thinking through how this flower will sit on the surface of the jug, how it will wrap around. It's a tender, slightly awkward dance. When I look at this drawing, I feel the push and pull of design and representation. The flower isn’t quite real, yet it is full of life. This piece reminds us that artists are always talking to each other across time, trading ideas, and nudging each other forward.