Grape Crusher c. 1937

Kurt Melzer's "Grape Crusher," rendered in watercolor, is all about observation. Look at how Melzer uses transparent washes to build up the form of the wooden contraption. The way the light catches the edges, the subtle gradations of tone – it's all about seeing. The thin application of the paint lets the paper breathe, giving the whole piece an airy quality. I'm drawn to the way Melzer describes the serrated edge of the crusher's wheel. Each tooth is carefully delineated, but there’s a softness to the execution. The texture is palpable; you can almost feel the rough grain of the wood. Melzer reminds me of Charles Sheeler, who also had this knack for turning everyday objects into something quietly monumental. Like Sheeler, Melzer finds beauty in the mundane. It's a reminder that art can be found anywhere, if you just take the time to look.