Boerderijen 1907

Alexander Shilling made this sketch of some farmhouses with pencil on paper. Just imagine Shilling there in front of these farmhouses. What was he thinking as he carefully rendered the thatched roofs and the wooden walls? The windows are dark rectangles, and there's a deliberate use of shading to create a sense of depth and texture. I think the image resonates with his broader artistic interests, which were often focused on the rural landscapes of Europe. You know, it reminds me of the work of other artists like Van Gogh, who also found beauty and inspiration in the everyday scenes of rural life. It’s like Shilling is in conversation with them, exploring similar themes through his unique artistic lens. Making art is a constant exchange of ideas across time, where each artist inspires the creativity of others.