Vase c. 1937

This is John Dana’s 'Vase,' a watercolour from an unknown date. Dana has used a beautiful, limited palette of blues to explore the texture and form of this vase. It’s like a study in transparency, the light bouncing off the glass in subtle ways. Look at how the horizontal lines at the top of the vase almost disappear, giving way to the illusion of clear glass. Then, down below, see how the brushstrokes swirl around the body, creating a sense of depth and weight. The whole thing feels both solid and ethereal, like a dream. You know, it reminds me a bit of Giorgio Morandi's still life paintings. They both share this quiet, contemplative quality. It’s almost as if Dana is inviting us to slow down, take a breath, and really see the beauty in the everyday. And isn't that what art's all about?