Vier kinderen rondom een kerstboom c. 1928 - 1941

Miep de Feijter made this drawing of four children around a Christmas tree with ink on paper. The drawing captures a simple scene, but in such a way that makes you think that you are there with them. You know, when I look at this, I think about when I was a child. The artist has captured the energy and excitement that happens at Christmas time, and I imagine she also witnessed something similar. De Feijter's mark-making is loose, playful, and deeply personal, suggesting the image was built up in layers, with each line contributing to the overall texture and depth. The artist takes a formal approach, using the color to create the overall shape of the kids. See how the artist varies the strokes to make them look more realistic? It all feels like a conversation. Like she is talking to us through the drawing. And that is something I aspire to when I'm painting.