On Telegraph Hill c. 1943

Robert Cranston Lee created this block print of Telegraph Hill in graphic black and white. What grabs me first are all the little lines, each one a deliberate mark, building up this scene like a carefully constructed drawing. The way the lines thicken and thin out creates a sense of depth and texture. It’s not just a picture of Telegraph Hill; it's a record of the artist's process. Look closely at the sky, how Lee uses horizontal lines to suggest movement and atmosphere. It's a simple technique, but it adds so much to the mood of the piece. And then there's the way the solid blacks of the trees are like anchors, grounding the composition and pulling you in. This reminds me of the work of artists like Edward Hopper, who similarly used stark contrasts and simple shapes to convey a sense of quiet isolation. Like all good art this piece invites us to slow down and contemplate.