Crock c. 1936

This watercolour on paper, ‘Crock’ was painted by Charles Caseau, sometime in the mid twentieth century. What I see is a way of seeing, a careful, loving depiction of a handmade vessel. The texture and colour are key. The slightly mottled surface of the pot, beautifully rendered in watercolour, gives it an earthy, almost tactile quality. You can sense the weight and sturdiness of the piece. Look at the blue flourish on the front – it's so gestural, yet so contained. Caseau really understood how to balance spontaneity with precision. It reminds me of Guston’s late work, that same embrace of the everyday object, elevated through simple, honest mark-making. Ultimately, this painting isn't just about a crock. It's about process, about the beauty of humble materials, and about the ongoing conversation between artists across time. It’s all about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.