Pitcher 1937

Francis Law Durand made this drawing of a pitcher, we don't know when exactly, using what looks like watercolor. The drawing has this really lovely, almost tender quality to it. The approach to the mark-making here feels thoughtful. I’m really drawn to the surface of the pitcher itself. The paint is thin, transparent and you can see the paper underneath which gives a feeling of depth. There's a flower with leaves that cascades down, contrasting with the formality of the name and date. But look closely, and you can see the delicacy of Durand's touch, especially in the rendering of the flower and leaves. They’re not just decorative; they're alive. It reminds me a bit of some of Fairfield Porter's paintings, in how he captured everyday scenes with this quiet, observational intensity. Durand, like Porter, reminds us that art doesn't always need to shout to be heard; sometimes, it whispers. It embraces a multitude of interpretations, inviting us to bring our own stories and experiences to the table.