Copper Candy Ladle c. 1938

This 'Copper Candy Ladle' by Frank McEntee, made with watercolour, presents the subject with tender, almost naive strokes. The palette is gentle, exploring shades of copper and wood with a touch of turquoise. It's like watching the material world through a soft lens. The watercolor technique here, it's not trying to hide itself. The layers are thin, creating a texture that's almost like skin. The shading gives depth, but it's the imperfection in the colour that’s alive, giving the copper a sense of movement, like light flickering. Look at the rim of the ladle, where the light catches. It's a simple mark, but it's so honest. The ladle handle is capped with an unexpected turquoise. What a beautiful little detail. McEntee's work reminds me of the still life paintings of Giorgio Morandi, who also found poetry in the mundane. It's a reminder that art isn't about perfection; it's about seeing and sharing what you see, as honestly as you can.