In Holland—The Buoy 1896

Paul Signac made this drawing of a buoy in Holland with crayon on paper. Signac was a master of color, and while this may appear like a simple sketch, notice how the material and process guide the way we see the scene. Signac, along with Seurat, was a key figure in the development of Pointillism, and while this drawing is not as precise as other Pointillist works, you can still see his interest in the interaction of colors, layering blue and white for the water, and red and pink for the boats and buildings in the background. The surface is made up of soft hues, and a complex pattern of dots, dashes and hatching. Signac’s work was always anchored in a sense of place, as he traveled extensively throughout Europe, making studies for his larger paintings. This drawing’s understated quality offers an intimate glimpse into Signac’s method, and reminds us that all art begins with close observation, skillful handling of materials, and a sensitivity to the world around us.