Winter 1978 achter de zuivelfabriek Holten 1978 - 2009

Kees Stoop made this drawing, Winter 1978 behind the dairy factory Holten, using graphite. I love how it's all about marks, a flurry of lines to create a sense of depth and texture. The piece uses a limited palette to evoke a cold, quiet scene. See how the dark marks of graphite create this incredible contrast against the pale paper? The lines feel so immediate, so physical, like he was right there, feeling the chill in the air. I can almost see him making each stroke, building up the image bit by bit. Notice that one bold stroke defining the roofline of the building, it anchors the whole composition, giving it structure and form. Stoop reminds me a bit of Guston, in that both artists were dedicated to a form of personal mark making. Ultimately, it's up to us to find our own meaning in the marks they've left behind.