View of the Pont Neuf 1906

Donald Shaw MacLaughlan made this drawing of the Pont Neuf sometime in the early 20th century, likely with graphite and wash on paper. Just look at these marks! You can almost feel him there, in front of the bridge, squinting in the Parisian light, his hand dancing across the page. The architecture emerges in strokes, a mesh of darks and lights bringing the scene to life. The artist simplifies what he sees, leaving space for interpretation. I wonder what he was thinking as he drew each line. Was he lost in the pleasure of looking, or was he working through an idea about form and structure? Did he decide to include the little boat, or was it just there, bobbing along? What did he have for lunch that day? These are the kinds of questions I ask myself when looking at art, because, for me, it opens up a whole world of possibilities. MacLaughlan’s drawing reminds me of Whistler's prints and drawings, but with an added layer of personal expression. It's a testament to how artists are always in dialogue, building upon the work of those who came before.