Loosdrechtse plassen 1870 - 1937

This is Willem Wenckebach's "Loosdrechtse plassen," a drawing made with coloured chalk. It’s like a symphony of grays, a real masterclass in subtle tones. Looking at it, I’m struck by the texture he coaxes out of chalk. It’s dry, crumbly even, but somehow he’s built up this rich surface, especially in the reeds. There are touches of green in there, like little sparks of life, hinting at something hidden beneath the surface. Notice how Wenckebach uses these little pops of colour to draw you into the depths of the landscape. It reminds me of how Edgar Degas handled pastels. The marks are so direct. He really let the medium do its thing, embracing its inherent qualities rather than trying to hide them. It's a reminder that art is often about uncovering, not covering up. What is revealed depends on where you are standing.