This pop-realism drawing by Mike Pitzer presents a precise study of a vintage Bakelite fountain pen, rendered with graphite and colored pencil on gallery-quality paper. The pen’s elongated form is depicted with careful attention to its smooth, glossy surface and intricate marbled pattern of green, yellow, and dark blue hues. Silver accents—a clip and a band—contrast subtly against the vibrant body, reinforcing the object’s elegance and functional design. The composition isolates the pen on a neutral background, inviting close inspection of the interplay between texture, color, and light. Through refined technique and restrained presentation, Pitzer’s work transforms a familiar object into a striking visual statement about craftsmanship and materiality.
From the Artist:
My Dad worked for 20+ years at Willey Sign company in Mt Clemens, Michigan before leaving to go to work with my Mom in her cookbook business. As the head purchasing agent at Willey’s, my Dad would get all kinds of cool promotional items. I think this Bakelite fountain pen was one of them. Messiest thing ever. It leaked ink just looking at it.
This pop-realism drawing by Mike Pitzer presents a precise study of a vintage Bakelite fountain pen, rendered with graphite and colored pencil on gallery-quality paper. The pen’s elongated form is depicted with careful attention to its smooth, glossy surface and intricate marbled pattern of green, yellow, and dark blue hues. Silver accents—a clip and a band—contrast subtly against the vibrant body, reinforcing the object’s elegance and functional design. The composition isolates the pen on a neutral background, inviting close inspection of the interplay between texture, color, and light. Through refined technique and restrained presentation, Pitzer’s work transforms a familiar object into a striking visual statement about craftsmanship and materiality.
From the Artist:
My Dad worked for 20+ years at Willey Sign company in Mt Clemens, Michigan before leaving to go to work with my Mom in her cookbook business. As the head purchasing agent at Willey’s, my Dad would get all kinds of cool promotional items. I think this Bakelite fountain pen was one of them. Messiest thing ever. It leaked ink just looking at it.
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