Kippen 1907

Willem Cornelis Rip made this drawing of chickens with what looks like charcoal, and it's all about how the marks come together. You can sense him figuring things out as he goes. There's this really dark chicken on the left, almost filled in, that becomes the anchor for the whole piece. Rip captures the texture of the feathers by layering strokes, hatching to create shadows, and leaving some areas untouched for highlights. The charcoal is applied with varying pressure, creating a dynamic range of tones that suggest movement and depth. Notice how the lines around the edges of the chickens aren't definite, more like suggestions, which I love. It reminds me a bit of some of Daumier's quick sketches – this feeling of trying to catch a fleeting moment. It’s about the process, the artist thinking, and our ability to share in that.