Spice Jar c. 1937

John Matulis made this painting of a Spice Jar sometime in the 20th century, using what looks like gouache or watercolor on paper. I love the contrast in tones, the jar is split in two, half in light, half in shadow. It's like the artist is playing with how light falls and sculpts the form. It makes me think about Giorgio Morandi, another artist who spent his life painting humble vessels. Matulis's jar has these cool, primitive decorative motifs that add so much character. The wonky drawing makes the jar feel so personal and human. I can almost feel Matulis’s hand moving across the page, carefully observing the object, deciding what to include, what to leave out. It's a reminder that painting isn't about perfection. It's about the exchange between the artist and their subject, the visual conversation that unfolds as they try to capture a moment in time. The piece invites us to slow down, to appreciate the beauty in the ordinary.