Populieren aan een beek 1920

Simon Moulijn made 'Poplars by a Stream’ without stating when but perhaps you might imagine him outside, breathing in the cold air, to then create this artwork with black chalk and graphite. Look at that winding path leading up to the house and notice how the trees mirror its gentle curve. I find myself thinking about Moulijn’s hand, moving methodically to create the image. Imagine the physical act of layering those chalk marks, creating an atmosphere of serene stillness. It makes me consider my own practice and the constant negotiation between intention and chance when the mark meets the surface. I wonder if Moulijn was also thinking of other artists as he worked, perhaps feeling part of a lineage of landscape artists stretching back centuries?