Tumbler c. 1936

John Dana made this watercolour painting of a glass tumbler on paper, we don't know exactly when. There's a kind of humble attention in the painting, it's all about process. Look how the artist has taken such care rendering the subtle shifts in tone and reflection of light across the surface of the glass. The colour is like watered down tea. I love the simple shapes of the glass itself, each mark is carefully considered. It's clear that Dana enjoyed the quiet, contemplative act of painting, focusing on the small details of everyday life. It makes me think about Giorgio Morandi, another artist who found endless inspiration in the humble still life, turning simple bottles and jars into objects of profound beauty. It's a reminder that art can be found anywhere, as long as you take the time to really look.