Study for Land of Oratunga 1930

This is Hans Heysen's 'Study for Land of Oratunga', and what strikes me is the artist's hand moving across the surface. You can almost feel him, outside, sketching, and the light transforming the land. There is a real sense of intimacy. It's like he's saying, "Let me show you what I see." I imagine him squinting, trying to capture the essence of this land with its monumental mountain and soft rolling hills. He uses colour sparingly—flecks of red and green amidst the cool grey tones, adding a touch of warmth and life. The texture created by the pencil strokes gives the landscape a tactile quality. It makes me want to reach out and touch the rough surface of the mountain. It reminds me of the landscape drawings of Cezanne who worked outside, in conversation with the landscape. Artists like Heysen remind us of the importance of observation, of slowing down, of really seeing the world around us.