Liegender Frauenakt 1915

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner made this reclining nude drawing, probably with graphite on paper, at some point in his career. It's all about the line, isn't it? Quick, confident strokes that don't fuss too much with detail. You can see where he's gone over lines, adjusting and defining the figure as he goes. It feels like he's figuring it out as he draws, which for me is a big part of what art's about. I love the way the lines create a sense of depth and volume, even though it's just a simple drawing. Look at the hatching on the legs and torso – it gives the form weight and shape. And the way he's suggested the fabric draped around her is brilliant. See how there are details, but they're all implied, not spelled out. Kirchner's drawing style reminds me a bit of Matisse, with that same sense of spontaneity and freedom. But Kirchner's got a rougher edge, a kind of nervous energy that's all his own. It's not about perfection; it's about capturing a feeling, a moment, an idea. And in that, he really succeeds.