Gemischt (Mixed) 1927

Paul Klee created this drawing, *Gemischt*, with pen and ink on paper. The most striking aspect is its apparent simplicity. But appearances can be deceiving. Look closely, and you'll see how Klee coaxes a whole menagerie out of just a few lines. He’s not trying to mimic reality. Instead, the material of ink allows Klee to explore the essence of form. The animals almost seem to emerge from the blank page. They seem to exist in a world of pure imagination. The quick, fluid lines suggest a rapid execution. It’s not labored. It’s not overworked. This casualness is deceptive. It belies Klee's mastery. He draws upon the long tradition of draftsmanship, where the hand and eye work in perfect unison. So, next time you see a simple line drawing, remember Klee’s *Gemischt*. It will remind you that the most profound statements can come from the simplest means. It challenges our conventional ideas of high art.