Vrouw met een parasol c. 1916

Reijer Stolk made "Woman with a Parasol" using watercolor. This was a medium often favored for its portability and speed, allowing artists to capture fleeting impressions. The transparent washes of color create a sense of lightness and immediacy. Look closely, and you’ll see how Stolk used the fluid properties of watercolor to suggest form and shadow with minimal detail. The paper itself becomes an active element, its surface texture subtly influencing the paint’s flow and absorption, adding depth to the image. Watercolor also had a practical purpose. It was affordable and relatively easy to learn, making it accessible to a wide range of artists, including those outside the traditional academy. Stolk's choice of this medium reflects a democratization of art, where the emphasis is on direct expression rather than elaborate technique. It’s a reminder that the most profound statements can often be made with the simplest of means.