Isabel Bishop Early Sketchbook c. 1928 - 1936

This is a page from an early sketchbook by Isabel Bishop, made with ink, probably when she was out and about, capturing glimpses of city life. It’s exciting, right? Like we're looking over her shoulder as she sees the world. Bishop has a way of getting the essence of a figure down with just a few lines. The ink is applied in a loose, sketchy manner, like a dance across the page. She’s not trying to be perfect or realistic, but rather, trying to convey movement, energy, and a sense of atmosphere. Look at how she captures the weight of the figures sitting on the bench, or the way the lines suggest the folds and drapes of their clothing. There’s a real attention to detail, but it’s never fussy or overworked. Bishop’s approach reminds me a bit of Degas, actually, with his interest in capturing fleeting moments and the everyday lives of ordinary people. Ultimately, it's like she’s sharing her own way of seeing, inviting us to find beauty and interest in the world around us.