Naaldboom c. 1944 - 1990

This is Naaldboom, a print by Kees Stoop. I can imagine Stoop in his studio, etching away at the plate with incredible focus. Look at how he's managed to create so much depth and texture with such simple marks. The layering of lines to create the density of the trees in the foreground, versus the lighter touch for the background, it’s really beautiful. I bet he knew these trees intimately, and it makes me think about my relationship to painting, and the way that I build up layers over time. The quiet simplicity of this piece is part of its charm. It makes you consider the nature of seeing and feeling. Stoop and other artists continue to teach me new ways of looking and thinking. I hope it does the same for you.