Landschap met bomen 1893

Hermannus Adrianus van Oosterzee created this landscape sketch using charcoal on paper. The very nature of charcoal, made from burnt organic matter, gives the drawing its textural richness. Look closely, and you’ll see how the artist used the material to suggest forms through a range of marks. Thick, smudged areas render the dense foliage, while fine, sharp lines capture the delicate branches. Van Oosterzee coaxes a surprising tonal range from the humble charcoal stick. Drawings like this one often served as preparatory studies for larger paintings, which speaks to the traditional role of drawing as a skilled practice, where artists worked from observation to develop their artistic ideas. Consider, too, the immediacy of charcoal as a medium; it allows for quick and expressive mark-making, perfect for capturing fleeting moments in nature. In this way, the drawing embodies a direct connection between the artist, the material, and the landscape itself, reminding us that even the simplest of materials can be used to create complex and evocative artworks.