Bomen in blad in groen veld tegen blauwe lucht 1939 - 2009

This small watercolor of trees, field, and sky was made by Kees Stoop, but when? It feels like it could have been made at any time, and that's part of its charm. I can imagine Stoop standing outside with his materials, trying to capture the light as it flickers through the leaves. The washes of green are so delicate, almost translucent, and they give the painting a sense of airiness. There’s a looseness here that feels really freeing. The blue of the sky is just a hint, but it’s enough to suggest a whole world beyond the trees. It reminds me of some of the early landscape painters, like Corot, who were also interested in capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. It is a very subtle and tender sketch. It’s as if Stoop is whispering a secret about the beauty of the natural world, inviting us to listen closely.