Acacia 

James Ensor likely made this drawing, Acacia, using a combination of dry media - perhaps chalk, pastel, and graphite - on paper. The softness of these materials allows for subtle gradations of tone, creating a hazy atmosphere, while their dryness results in a somewhat granular texture. The marks are directly applied, recording the artist's hand movements with a sensitivity that’s enhanced by the muted palette. These relatively humble materials and the simplicity of the landscape subject matter, are in stark contrast to the grand oil paintings that would have been considered high art at the time. Ensor's choice reflects an interest in the everyday and the demotic, aligning him with a broader movement towards artistic accessibility. The act of drawing itself, with its immediacy and intimacy, embodies a connection to the world around us. It is a reminder that profound artistic expression need not rely on elaborate techniques or precious materials.