Drie paarden 1891 - 1941

Leo Gestel made this drawing of ‘Drie Paarden’ with a crayon. Look at how these marks build up the form of the horses, with an approach that feels exploratory and free. The texture of the crayon on paper gives it a tactile quality. It invites you to trace the lines and feel the pressure of the artist's hand. The gray hues create a somber atmosphere, but there's a liveliness too. See the horse on the left, how the face comes to being with a few simple lines. It's so expressive, so full of character. Gestel seems interested in the exchange of ideas, referencing expressionist painters like Kirchner, who also explored the emotional intensity of animals. And like them, he is part of an ongoing conversation about form, feeling, and the power of simple mark-making. It’s a great reminder that art doesn't always have to be polished or perfect, sometimes it’s the raw, unfinished quality that makes it so compelling.