Vijf jonge vrouwen op straat, in profiel c. 1886 - 1934

Isaac Israels made "Vijf jonge vrouwen op straat, in profiel" with charcoal, and you can see how immediate it is, a snap of a moment. The artist’s hand is so present, isn't it? Look at the charcoal, how it smudges and bleeds into the paper, creating a sense of atmosphere and movement. The lines aren't precious; they're all about capturing the essence of the scene, the fleeting quality of life on the street. There’s a gestural energy that makes the image come alive. My eye is drawn to the way Israels uses shadow to define the figures. See how he allows the charcoal to gather thickly in the folds of their dresses, giving them weight and presence, while their faces remain more or less blank. Israels reminds me a little of Daumier, who also used the immediacy of drawing to capture everyday life. Both artists remind us that art can be found in the simplest of moments, if we just take the time to look. And isn't that what it's all about?