Ontwerp met het wapen van Hilversum en ornamenten 1884 - 1952

Reinier Willem Petrus de Vries designed this sketch of the Hilversum coat-of-arms with pencil, probably around the turn of the century. I love the gridded paper he chose for the initial design. He's mapped out the contours of the design with incredible precision. I can imagine De Vries hunched over his desk, squinting slightly as he coaxes these forms into being. What’s so touching is the controlled yet organic nature of the design - like the tendrils of a vine unfurling, each curl a delicate dance of possibility. But it's the underdrawing I find most compelling. He probably worked at it for hours. This piece speaks to the tradition of the draughtsman, those unsung heroes who lay the groundwork for so many grand visions. Design is such an interesting mix of planning and improvisation. It reminds me of the conversations we have with artists, their influences, and their methods. Painting allows us to express what words cannot. So we keep painting and keep sharing.