Figuren in de branding 1881 - 1927

This landscape sketch, "Figuren in de branding", by Johan Antonie de Jonge, probably came into being outdoors, with a quick hand and keen eye. I imagine the artist outside with a sketchbook, maybe the wind is blowing? De Jonge has created a vista of sea and sky, captured with layered strokes of graphite. The marks are restless, searching, almost like handwriting. The textured surface evokes the shifting nature of the sea and the fleeting quality of light. There are trees or figures placed near the horizon line, created from dark, scribbled strokes. They are barely legible as figures but seem to act as a focal point, grounding the composition. I can imagine De Jonge responding to the weather, battling with the elements, and trying to capture the scene before it transforms. The drawing has the feeling of something that has been caught in a hurry. I imagine the artist would have looked at other artists' work too, and would have been inspired by the history of mark-making and drawing. I am sure that other artists will look at this drawing in the future and be similarly inspired. Art is an ongoing conversation.