Crockery Mold c. 1939

William Kieckhofel made this watercolour painting of a Crockery Mold, but we don't know exactly when. It's a fascinating study in browns and earth tones, where the creative process feels very present. You can see the layering of colours, like he's building up the form gradually. I’m drawn to the way Kieckhofel uses the watercolour medium. There's a beautiful translucence in places, with the light reflecting off the paper. But then, in other areas, he's built up a density of pigment, creating a sense of weight and substance. Look at the way he's rendered the interior of the mold, a series of vertical marks that suggest both depth and texture. It's like he's trying to capture not just the appearance of the object, but also its essence. This piece reminds me a little of Giorgio Morandi’s still life paintings, with their muted palettes and quiet contemplation of everyday objects. Both artists share a similar interest in exploring the subtle nuances of form and light, inviting us to slow down and really see the world around us.