Figuren 1884 - 1927

This sketch by Johan Antonie de Jonge is a lovely example of artmaking as a process; a way of seeing and thinking. Look at how the figures emerge from the page. The texture is created by the energy of the lines, and how they build up to suggest form and space. The artist isn't trying to conceal the process. You can see the direction and speed of the marks, the layering and the corrections. These marks aren't just descriptive, they're expressive. Take the dark shading in the top left corner. It's not just about representing shadow, it’s also a way of creating a mood, an atmosphere, an emotional tone. Then look at the scribbled notes on the page. "Orange, blaauw," they read. This piece reminds me of the drawings of Paula Modersohn-Becker, with their raw immediacy and sensitivity. Both artists used drawing not just as a preparatory tool, but as a means of exploration, discovery, and invention. Art is a conversation between artists across time, with different voices and perspectives.