Begonia 1929

Howard Cook made this drawing of a begonia, probably in the late 1940s, using graphite on paper. The pressure and angles he used to create the forms are really luscious. Looking at this drawing, I can imagine Cook sitting with his paper, really taking his time to observe the plant. He's not just copying what he sees; he's finding a way to translate it into his own language of marks. Look at the leaves. They are full of shadows which give them so much presence. It's all about the contrast between light and dark. I bet Cook was in a conversation with other artists doing similar work, picking up ideas, and pushing them further. Drawing like this isn't about getting it "right," but more about finding new ways of seeing and feeling. And hey, maybe it's about getting a little lost in the process.