Zittende Japanse vrouw met shamisen c. 1925s

Isaac Israels made this drawing of a seated Japanese woman with a shamisen, using what looks like pencil on paper. The rapid, hatched marks give it a real sense of immediacy. You can feel the artist trying to capture the essence of the moment. What I love about drawings like this is how they reveal the artist's process. The lines aren't precious; they're searching. Take a look at the way Israels has rendered the folds of the woman’s kimono. It’s all these quick, diagonal strokes, building up tone and shadow. The texture of the paper peeks through, adding another layer of visual interest. It’s like the drawing is breathing. Israels reminds me a little of Degas in his ability to capture fleeting moments with such grace. Both artists embrace the beauty of imperfection, valuing the energy of the mark over meticulous detail. These pieces are less about perfection and more about feeling.