Grasland 1967

Kees Stoop made this print, Grasland, without a date given, using etching. I love how Stoop uses a simple, almost monochromatic palette to create depth and texture. The marks are so physical, you can almost feel the scratch of the needle on the plate. The way the lines build up, especially in the foreground, really gives a sense of the dense, tangled nature of the landscape. Look at the lower left corner, where the lines are closest together, creating a dark mass. Then look at how they gradually thin out as they move towards the horizon line, mimicking the way our eyes perceive distance. It's a beautiful and subtle effect. I'm reminded of the landscapes of Hercules Segers, who also used etching to create these immersive, otherworldly scenes. Ultimately, this print is a testament to the power of simple materials and techniques. It embraces the beauty of a landscape, inviting us to slow down and appreciate the nuances of the natural world.