A Connecticut-type Hadley Chest-side View c. 1936

Martin Partyka made this side view of a Connecticut-type Hadley Chest with graphite and colored pencil. It’s a lovely study in browns and tans, a gentle palette that speaks to the natural material of the wood. There’s something so tender about Partyka’s approach. He’s not just documenting; he’s caressing the form with his pencil. Look closely, and you can see how the grain of the wood is built up with tiny, careful strokes. It’s almost like he’s trying to understand the essence of the chest through touch. The way the light catches on the edges, the subtle shadows that define its shape, all rendered with such care. It reminds me of Agnes Martin's quiet, meditative drawings. Partyka isn’t trying to trick us with illusionism. Instead, he’s inviting us to slow down, to appreciate the simple beauty of everyday objects. The drawing isn’t just about the chest, but about the act of seeing, the pleasure of close observation, and the quiet joy of making.