Pewter Porringer c. 1936

Charles Cullen made this drawing of a pewter porringer, but we don't know when. The artist carefully plots out the form with a soft pencil, allowing for subtle gradations of light and shadow to suggest the reflective surface of the metal. It’s a study in observation and patience, which is artmaking in a nutshell, right? Look closely and you can see the soft smudging of the pencil lead, creating a gentle depth. The circular form of the porringer is contrasted by the ornate handle, and even a small side view underneath. The whole thing sits within a lightly drawn rectangle, anchoring the image on the page. Think about the way Cullen uses tone to imply the bowl’s volume, drawing the eye into its center. It's like a quiet meditation on form and light. It makes me think of the still life drawings of Giorgio Morandi, who also found endless inspiration in humble, everyday objects. There’s so much room for interpretation.