Shaker Scales c. 1941

George V. Vezolles made this drawing of Shaker Scales with graphite and watercolor. I really love the controlled palette here. It's almost monochromatic with these subtle shades of brown and grey. It reminds me of Giorgio Morandi's still life paintings, where he would use a similar limited color range to create a sense of quiet contemplation. Looking closely, you can see all these tiny little hatch marks. It’s clear that Vezolles built up the form of the scales very slowly, patiently, creating subtle gradations of tone. And it’s not just about representation. You can sense a love for the object itself in the meticulous rendering of its texture and form. The symmetry of the scales, with their heart-shaped supports, creates a gentle, balanced composition. It's both functional and kind of sweet, isn’t it? For me, this drawing reveals how even the most ordinary objects can become extraordinary when viewed through the eyes of an artist.