Possum Pitcher c. 1938

Ernest A. Towers Jr. made this drawing of a 'Possum Pitcher'. It’s so interesting how the light glances off the pitcher's surface. The choice of browns and creams gives it this warm, inviting feeling, like a well-loved object passed down through generations. You know, looking at the brushstrokes, I get the sense of the artist really feeling their way through the process. It’s not just about representation; it's about the act of making. Notice the dark brown paint, how it pools in certain areas, giving depth and weight to the possum’s form. There’s a richness and shine to it that makes you wanna reach out and touch it. And the way the artist has captured the texture of the ceramic! Each mark seems deliberate, contributing to the overall sense of solidity and presence. This piece reminds me a little of some of the folk art pottery I’ve seen, where the artists aren’t necessarily aiming for perfection but capturing the essence of the subject. It’s this blend of observation and imagination that makes it so compelling.