St. Johns, New Brunswick, Canada 1951

John Marin made this drawing of St. Johns in New Brunswick, Canada, using graphite on paper. It's so delicate, almost like a memory fading in and out of focus. I imagine Marin standing on a street corner, sketchbook in hand, quickly capturing the essence of the scene before him. There’s a real sense of urgency in the lines, the buildings are sketched with such speed that they seem to be vibrating. Look how the lines converge and diverge, creating a sense of depth and movement, as if the city itself is alive and breathing. The architectural details are just suggested, inviting us to fill in the blanks and bring our own experiences to the work. It reminds me a little of some Cy Twombly's sketches but there is more of an attempt to capture a real scene. It’s a reminder that art isn’t about perfect representation, but about capturing a feeling, a moment in time.