Enamel Pitcher c. 1941

Richard Taylor made this drawing of an enamel pitcher, and what strikes me is its dedication to observation. Taylor isn't trying to do anything fancy, but is more interested in the kind of methodical mark-making that leads to understanding. The texture of the pitcher is built up through a series of tiny parallel lines. See how they follow the contours of the pitcher, giving it a sense of volume and depth? The color palette is restrained, almost monochromatic, which directs our attention to the subtle shifts in tone and value. I love the way the green at the base glows. It's like a little secret, a hint of something unexpected. It reminds me of the quiet moments in painting when a single brushstroke can change everything. It’s like Taylor is saying, ‘look closer, there’s more here than you think.’ Much like a Morandi painting, this pitcher shows us that everyday objects can be a source of endless fascination and beauty.