St. Johns River, New Brunswick, Canada 1951

This is a graphite pencil sketch of the St. Johns River in New Brunswick, Canada, by John Marin. The material here, graphite, is key. Marin has exploited the capacity of the pencil to convey light and atmosphere with the lightest of touches. The visible tooth of the paper is also important. It gives the drawing a sense of immediacy, as if the artist were recording a fleeting impression, directly from nature. While this kind of work might easily be dismissed as a preliminary sketch, its aesthetic value lies precisely in its apparent simplicity. Marin's skill lies in his ability to evoke a sense of place with such economy. In doing so, he elevates the humble materials of paper and pencil, showing us that profound artistic expression isn't just found in monumental oil paintings. It can be seen in the everyday act of drawing. The meaning and skill are just as present in the sketch as in the most elaborate finished product.