Dreng, der planter 1897

Karl Isakson created this piece, "Dreng, der planter," using pencil, gouache and watercolour on paper. Isakson’s materials lend themselves to a rapid, expressive style. Notice how he has created a sense of depth and atmosphere through layering of colours. It is a raw sketch with a focus on the figure and his surroundings. The colours have been applied loosely, yet they convey a great sense of form and texture. The choice of gouache and watercolour allows for a certain luminosity, especially in the sky and open field. Isakson may have been seeking to capture a fleeting moment of connection between the figure and the natural world. The work has a sense of immediacy, as though it was made en plein air. This directness reflects a broader interest in the relationship between art and life, a theme that runs through much of the art of this period. So, we can see how even the choice of seemingly simple materials can contribute to the artwork’s overall impact and meaning.