Foliage and bushes 

Otto Scholderer made this study of foliage and bushes with graphite on paper. The softness of the graphite allows for an incredible range of tonal variation, from the barely-there horizon line to the deep shadows under the leaves. The hand-drawn quality of the sketch gives it an immediacy, like a snapshot of a moment in time. It is an ephemeral study rather than a carefully rendered painting, and the rough paper adds to this effect, giving the image texture and depth. The artist has built up the image slowly, using layers of graphite to create depth and shadow. It invites the viewer to imagine the sounds and smells of the natural world. When we consider that Scholderer was working at a time of rapid industrialization, this simple scene of nature becomes even more poignant. It reminds us of the importance of preserving the natural world, and of taking time to appreciate its beauty. Ultimately, this drawing asks us to consider the relationship between humans and nature, and to reflect on the values that we hold dear.