Ravello II 1923

M.C. Escher made "Ravello II" using pen and ink, and what strikes me is the patience involved in making all of those marks. It's a reminder that art is so much about the process. Look at how Escher creates texture and depth with simple lines, building up a landscape from individual marks. Notice the way he uses hatching to create shadows on the terraces, or the stippling that gives volume to the trees. The contrast between the dark, dense foliage and the bright, open pathways draws you into the scene, like following a map. I'm especially drawn to the way he renders the small buildings scattered throughout the landscape. Each one is meticulously detailed, with tiny windows and precisely drawn lines. It's like he’s inviting us to consider each element. Reminds me of Piranesi, who also used architecture to frame strange perspectives. Art is always echoing, always in conversation. There's no final word, and that’s the beauty of it.