Koe en twee paarden 1891 - 1941

Leo Gestel made this drawing of a cow and two horses with pencil on paper. Gestel's approach to mark making, especially in the outlines of the animals, gives the drawing a sense of immediacy, like it's about capturing a fleeting impression. It’s like he’s not just drawing what he sees, but also how he sees. Look at the shading, how he uses the side of the pencil to create soft, blended tones. The texture of the paper comes through, adding to the overall feeling of spontaneity. The contrast between the dark lines and the lighter areas gives the animals a sculptural quality, almost like they're emerging from the page. Notice how the dark patches on the cow are rendered with a casual yet deliberate touch, like he's trying to find the essence of "cow-ness". Gestel's work reminds me a little of Franz Marc, another artist who was interested in animals and nature, but Gestel brings a more understated, almost whimsical sensibility to the subject. It's a drawing that invites you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of simple forms.