Landscape 

Fried Stern created this landscape with brush and ink, materials that straddle the line between sketching and the more 'finished' medium of painting. The paper itself is really interesting - its blue-grey tone sets the mood for the whole piece. The ink is applied in loose, flowing strokes, capturing the essence of the scene rather than precise details. You can see the artist's hand in the textured application, particularly in the rendering of trees and foliage. Stern's method really emphasizes the importance of direct observation and quick execution, a kind of spontaneous response to the landscape. Was this a study or a finished piece? It doesn't really matter. What matters is the intimacy of the artist’s engagement with her subject. By focusing on the inherent qualities of the materials and the directness of the making process, we get a sense of Stern's personal connection to nature, and a reminder that even the simplest means can yield powerful results.