Huizen aan een weg langs water 1918

This drawing of houses by a road along the water was made in 1918 by Pieter Ras. I can only imagine the artist standing outside with his stick of charcoal, trying to capture the scenery. It’s amazing to see the bold strokes of charcoal that he used to bring the landscape to life. See how the lines are thick in some places and thin in others, creating a sense of depth and texture. The trees seem to dance in the wind, while the houses sit nestled amongst the surrounding foliage. I wonder what it was like for Ras to stand in that spot, feeling the breeze on his face as he observed the houses by the water. It’s like he’s inviting us to share in his experience, to see the world through his eyes, and maybe even feel a little bit of what he felt too. I love how he invites us into this quiet, contemplative space, reminding us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the everyday.