Huis en bomen aan een waterkant c. 1891

Egbert Rubertus Derk Schaap made this drawing of houses and trees by a waterside using graphite on paper. The sketch, with its tonal qualities, embodies the immediate and direct nature of the medium. Schaap exploits the inherent qualities of graphite; its softness, smoothness, and capacity for tonal variation. By layering strokes, he coaxes depth and dimension, and evokes the reflective properties of water. The marks communicate a sense of spontaneity, and the artist’s decision to let the graphite reveal the image in a raw form makes you aware of the process. Yet, Schaap’s skilled hand ensures precision, and the architectural forms of the houses and trees are clear. Graphite, a common and accessible material, democratizes the artistic process, and its historical use in preliminary sketches and studies challenges traditional notions of artistic value. So next time you look at a drawing, think about how the choice of materials and process contributes to the meaning of the artwork.