Landschap met bebouwing c. 1909s

Alexander Shilling created this landscape with buildings by rapidly sketching with pencil. You can see how the lines capture the essence of architectural forms and the natural landscape, like a fleeting impression snagged right out of life. I'm thinking about Shilling holding the sketchbook, quickly trying to capture the light falling on the buildings, or the texture of the foliage. Maybe he was intrigued by the geometric shapes of the buildings against the organic forms of the trees. Or perhaps he was just trying to record a place that resonated with him for some reason. Think about his use of line: jagged, layered, almost nervous. It reminds me of other artists, like Klimt, who were also trying to find ways to express the inner life through the outer world. Ultimately, I think this drawing reminds us that art doesn't always have to be about perfection. It can also be about the beauty of the imperfect moment, the spontaneous gesture, and the artist's honest attempt to capture a glimpse of the world.