Træer i et landskab. Cassis. 1909

This is Othon Friesz’s sketch, made with pen and ink on paper of "Trees in a Landscape, Cassis". Isn't it interesting how a few lines can conjure up a whole world? Friesz’s quick, energetic marks show us that artmaking is really a process of discovery. Look at the top of the drawing; see how those looping lines create a sense of volume and space? There is a real sense of movement through the thickness of the marks, and the build-up of ink. The materiality here is simple: paper and ink. But the effect is complex. The texture comes from the pressure of the pen on the page. The ink is mostly opaque, allowing the artist to build up depth. Take a look at the lower part of the drawing, where the grass-like marks are. They give the landscape a sense of grounding, literally. They're like little anchors that keep the scene from floating away. Friesz reminds me of a more frenetic version of Matisse. Both knew how to capture the essence of a scene, and both allow space for different interpretations. After all, art is an ongoing conversation, right?