Figuur op een boot c. 1903

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of a figure on a boat with graphite on paper, and you can feel the energy in those lines, right? It's all about capturing a fleeting moment, a gesture, with incredible economy. Look at the way he uses line weight to suggest form. The lines aren't precious, they're direct and exploratory, almost like he's thinking out loud with his pencil. There's a real sense of immediacy, like he's trying to capture the essence of the scene before it disappears. It's a testament to the power of simplicity, stripping away the unnecessary to reveal the underlying structure and movement. This sketch reminds me a little of Matisse's drawings, that same confidence and ability to convey so much with so little. Ultimately, this little drawing reminds us that art isn't about perfection, it's about process, observation, and a willingness to embrace the beauty of the unfinished.