Pa. German Pitcher c. 1939

Carl Strehlau made this drawing of a Pa. German Pitcher, using what looks like watercolor, to achieve a consistent, earthy tone. It's like Strehlau built up the form with repeated strokes, almost like he's modeling clay. Look at the way the lines curve and swell, giving the pitcher a real sense of volume. He's so committed to this one color, but look how he coaxes out different values – from the dark shadows that define the handle to the light highlights that suggest the rounded belly of the pitcher. The embossed decorations on the pitcher are so subtle; they emerge slowly as your eyes adjust to the drawing. I am reminded of the drawings of Giorgio Morandi, who also had such an amazing commitment to the quiet still life, and the intimate language of tone. Isn't it amazing how artists can make art out of the most mundane things?