Warming Pan 1935 - 1942

Florence Stevenson made this watercolour study of a warming pan, we don't know exactly when. Stevenson's approach to colour is subdued, almost monochromatic, which gives it a quiet, contemplative feel. It’s like she’s inviting us to really study this object. The way Stevenson renders the textures of the wood and metal is pretty amazing. Look at the handle of the pan. You can almost feel the smoothness of the wood, and the way she's layered the washes suggests the way the light catches on its surface. Then, notice the dull sheen of the metal pan itself, with all its little imperfections and marks. This reminds me of the work of Giorgio Morandi. There's an honesty and intimacy in the way she captures everyday objects that really speaks to me. I love how this piece celebrates the beauty of the mundane, inviting us to see the art in the ordinary.