Studies van kamelen 1876 - 1951

Here are some Studies van kamelen, made by Theo Nieuwenhuis with graphite. Just look at the way these camels are rendered in these delicate lines. I can almost see him now, the artist, crouched on the ground with his sketchbook, trying to capture these beasts with a few strokes of charcoal! I love the sketchy quality, like the artist is trying to find the essence of the camel. Each line seems to carry a question: How does the hump curve? Where does the neck begin? It reminds me of Matisse's drawings - so economical, yet so full of life. The layering of the figures feels like looking through time, and each mark has a certain weight, a purpose. I think of other artists who've been inspired by animals, of course Picasso's bulls or Franz Marc’s horses. Ultimately, it reminds me that every artist is in conversation with those who came before.