Study of a Woman 1906

This red chalk drawing, Study of a Woman, was made in Paris in 1906 by Louis-Oscar Roty. I’m drawn to the way Roty uses red chalk so economically. It’s all about line here, isn’t it? The texture of the paper is crucial too, the way the chalk catches on the surface creating a sort of broken, vibrating effect. Look at how the lines defining the woman’s dress are repeated and doubled, suggesting movement, or maybe just the artist’s searching process. It’s like he's thinking through the form right there on the page. And notice how the lines are denser, darker around her face, drawing our eye to her contemplative expression. This reminds me of some of Degas' drawings, that same interest in capturing fleeting moments with a kind of casual grace. You get the sense with both of these artists that they see art as a constant exploration, a way of questioning and refining their vision, rather than trying to make any kind of definitive statement.