Kop van een papegaai met kuif 1940

Otto Verhagen made this drawing of a cockatoo’s head with graphite, and for me the beauty is in its simplicity. It’s a quick study, not overworked, capturing the essence of the bird with confidence. Look at the beak, how it’s formed with dense, dark hatching, giving it weight and volume. Then notice how the marks around the eye are lighter, more delicate, suggesting the softness of feathers. The artist uses these contrasting textures to bring the bird to life, making it feel present and alert. The soft hatching that suggests the body feathers gives way to the empty paper surrounding the bird's head, making it feel fleeting, as if it might fly off the page. The drawing reminds me a little of Elizabeth Murray's playful approach to form. Both artists share a willingness to let the process be visible, embracing the energy of the line and the immediacy of the mark. What do you think?