Beaker c. 1937

Aaron Fastovsky made this drawing of a beaker, using graphite on paper. It's basically a study in light, right? Look at the gradations of gray that define the cylindrical form. It's got this really smooth surface, achieved through a delicate layering of graphite, almost like he’s burnishing the paper. The dark accents on the rim and base really pop, giving it weight and grounding it in space. But what’s cool is how Fastovsky captures the subtle gleam of metal, using just a pencil. If you look closely at the reflections, they’re not perfect or photographic. It's like he’s interpreting the way light interacts with the object. It reminds me of those Giorgio Morandi still lifes, where everyday objects become these monumental forms through the artist’s careful attention. There's a stillness here, inviting us to pause and really see.