Baousset 1935

Earl Stetson Crawford made this etching, "Baousset," using only black ink to create a whole world. Look at how he uses line to make the light, those tiny hatches adding up to form and shadow. See that big branch reaching across the frame? The way it angles in from the left, it's almost like it's inviting us into the scene, asking us to come closer. Crawford really knew how to make an etching plate sing. And those trees! They are not just trees, they are like characters with their own personalities. The one on the right is draped like a curtain and the one in the middle, solid and strong. It reminds me of something Whistler might have done, or maybe even some of the slightly later etchings of David Hockney, but of course, Crawford brings his own flavor. Anyway, just some thoughts...what do you think?