Lady Peel 1912

Timothy Cole made this print of Lady Peel sometime in the 17th century. It's all about mark-making, the contrast between light and shadow that creates form, like when you squint and everything simplifies. Check out the way Cole uses hatching and cross-hatching to build up the tones. It’s so subtle, you could almost miss it, but that’s where the magic is, right? Look at her fur stole, how the lines curve and swirl to suggest its softness, and then compare that to the solid black of her hat. He’s not just copying what he sees, he’s interpreting it, adding his own voice to the mix. There is a real sense of process here. I think of Goya, who was also a master of using black and white to create drama and emotion. It’s like they’re both having a conversation across time, exploring the possibilities of line and tone. Art isn’t just about pretty pictures, it's about ideas, emotions, and the ongoing exchange of creative energy.