San Gimignano 1923

Hermann Lismann made this drawing of San Gimignano with pencil, ink, and wash, and the monochrome palette creates a kind of timelessness. Look at the gentle hatching and smudging that builds the form of the hillside, see how the artist coaxes out the shapes of the goats. It reminds me that drawing, like painting, is a process of layering and adjustment. I love the way Lismann uses the texture of the paper to create a grainy effect, especially in the sky. There's a softness to it, a kind of dreaminess that contrasts with the sharp, angular shapes of the towers. And did you notice how he lets the wash bleed and blend, creating a sense of atmosphere? Take a look at the way the towers of the town fade into the distance. It's not just a depiction of a place, but an evocation of a feeling. I’m reminded of Emil Nolde and his expressionistic landscapes. Both artists share a sensitivity to the way mark-making can evoke mood and atmosphere. Ultimately, art is not just about seeing, it's about feeling, and this drawing is full of feeling.