Flowers in a Vase 

James Ensor made this drawing of ‘Flowers in a Vase’ using graphite on paper, a traditional medium for studies and sketches. But look closely at the marks Ensor makes; they aren’t the soft gradations of academic drawing, but are heavy, textured marks which reflect the weight and pressure exerted by the artist. Notice how Ensor uses dense, dark shading to create a sense of volume in the vase and flowers, contrasting this with the lighter, sketchier lines in the background. This contrast creates a dynamic tension, as if the flowers are emerging from the shadows, reflecting Ensor's interest in the play of light and dark, and his expressionist approach to drawing. The visible process, the artist’s hand, becomes as important as the subject matter itself. This emphasizes the physical act of drawing, elevating it beyond mere representation. Ensor challenges the traditional hierarchy between sketch and finished work, asserting the value of the raw, expressive mark.