Twee eenden 1907

Willem Cornelis Rip made this drawing of two ducks with graphite, and you can tell he’s feeling the joy of looking. It’s not overworked. Look at the duck that’s standing—the marks that describe its feathers are loose, sketchy, and repetitive. But they add up to something recognizable, you know? It’s about trusting the process and not being too precious. The materiality is really present. You can see the texture of the paper coming through the graphite marks, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. The scribbled reflections in the water and the loose grass create a sense of movement and energy. It reminds me a bit of James Ensor, not in subject matter but in the freedom and playfulness of the mark-making. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t always have to be serious; it can be fun and spontaneous.