Preserve Jar c. 1936

John Matulis made this drawing of a "Preserve Jar" at an unknown date, using what looks like a combination of watercolor and colored pencil. The earthy palette of browns, yellows, and creams gives it a warm, nostalgic feel. It reminds me of digging around in my grandmother’s attic. The jar has this wonderful mottled texture, with these almost map-like stains that interrupt the smooth surface. You can see the individual strokes of the pencil adding depth and shadow. It’s not just about depicting the object, but about the pleasure of describing its form. The texture looks random, but it really adds to the character of the jar. The simple subject matter and careful execution remind me of Giorgio Morandi's still life paintings. Both artists find beauty in the mundane, elevating everyday objects through their close observation and thoughtful rendering. It’s a reminder that art can be found in the simplest of things.