Studies c. 1916

Reijer Stolk made this drawing called 'Studies' with graphite and watercolour on paper. Stolk’s light touch, a kind of searching line, makes me think about art-making as a process. I can imagine the artist's hand moving across the page, working and reworking the lines, adding details like the subtle shading on the fingers and palm or the looping hatching on the man's hand and face. There is also a colorful design to the left which feels very free and playful. Look closely at the relationship between the lines. Notice how some are tentative and light, while others are more assertive and bold. See how this variation in line weight creates a sense of depth and volume, even in this relatively simple sketch? This drawing is a reminder that art is not about perfection, but about exploration, discovery, and the beauty of the imperfect. This reminds me of work by Tomma Abts, who also uses a similarly pared back but compelling sensibility.