Gezicht in Amsterdam bij regen 1909

George Hendrik Breitner made this view of Amsterdam in the rain using pencil on paper. You can see how Breitner lets the marks build up to create a sense of atmosphere. It’s like he's not just drawing what he sees, but also how it feels to be there, you know? The texture of the paper really comes through. The pencil strokes vary from light smudges to dark, assertive lines. Look at the way he renders the reflections on the wet pavement – a series of scribbled lines that capture the shimmering, distorted light. It’s these little details that give the drawing its immediacy and presence. Breitner reminds me a little of Edgar Degas, especially in his ability to capture fleeting moments and everyday scenes with such sensitivity. It's this openness to interpretation that makes art so engaging, because it allows us to bring our own experiences and perspectives to the work.