Gezicht in Amsterdam, mogelijk het Rokin c. 1902 - 1914

This is a quick sketch made by George Hendrik Breitner, possibly of the Rokin in Amsterdam. Look at how the artist captured the scene with just a few lines. It reminds us that artmaking is often about the process, the journey of seeing and recording. The marks are raw and immediate, capturing the essence of the place. The texture of the paper becomes part of the drawing, adding depth to the image. See how the simple strokes create a sense of depth and space. Those lines on the right could be trees but are they also just energetic marks? They give a sense of the world beyond the buildings. It reminds me of the sketches of Philip Guston; quick and dirty drawings that capture a feeling, an attitude, a moment in time. It's a conversation across time and place; the ongoing dialogue that makes art so vital. Breitner's drawing celebrates the beauty of imperfection, the power of suggestion, and the joy of seeing.