Skitser af traner. Notat vedr. traner og farveangivelse 1900 - 1905

This sketch of cranes, made by Niels Larsen Stevns, is like a visual diary entry, capturing a moment of observation and process. The light pencil lines, almost tentative, show the artist thinking through form and movement. It's the kind of art that reveals its making. Looking closely, you can see how Stevns uses hatching and contour lines to suggest the volume and texture of the birds’ bodies. Notice the crane on the right, its form rendered with a flurry of short, energetic strokes. The density of these marks gives it a weightiness, a grounded presence, in contrast to the more ethereal, outlined figures. It's not just a depiction of a bird, but an exploration of mark-making itself. This piece reminds me of the sketchbook pages of artists like Leonardo da Vinci or even Cy Twombly, where the act of drawing becomes a way of understanding the world. It's a reminder that art is not just about the finished product, but about the journey of seeing, thinking, and feeling.