Penny Bank c. 1941

Herman Schulze made this sweet little drawing of a penny bank with what looks like watercolor. The drawing is so understated, so unassuming! It's like he's saying, "Here's this object, and here's how it sits in the world." The color palette is so muted it’s almost grayscale, it's quiet and honest. The drawing has a gentle touch, nothing is forced or showy. The lines are delicate, creating the form of the penny bank with care, and there’s a real sense of love for the ordinary. The way Schulze handles the shadows is particularly nice, giving the figure depth without being dramatic. The paper itself is allowed to breathe, and the blank space feels intentional, giving the little guy room to exist. It reminds me a little of some of the folk art I’ve seen, where the focus is on capturing the essence of the subject. You can tell that Schulze wasn't trying to show off, just trying to capture a simple moment.