Stoneware Jar c. 1937

Annie B. Johnston made this drawing of a Stoneware Jar with graphite and watercolor. It's this delicate study of a utilitarian vessel. I imagine Johnston carefully building up these delicate layers of graphite and watercolor, trying to capture the subtle gradations of tone and texture. The jar itself seems to glow from within, with these warm, earthy colors that give it a sense of solidity and presence. There’s a quiet kind of beauty in the drawing’s unassuming subject matter, elevating it to a kind of iconic status. It reminds me of the still life paintings of Giorgio Morandi, who also found endless inspiration in simple, everyday objects. I wonder if Johnston was also drawn to the humble jar as a way of exploring form, light, and shadow. Ultimately, I think this drawing is a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places. It’s about taking the time to really look, to see the beauty in the ordinary, and to appreciate the skill and sensitivity of the artist's hand.