Afgemeerde schuiten 1888 - 1931

Willem Adrianus Grondhout created this small etching, “Afgemeerde schuiten,” with ink on paper. The linear quality of the work is lovely; it looks like a study in mark making, where the artist is playing with hatching and cross-hatching to create shadow and depth. Look at how Grondhout suggests the reflections in the water with tiny, quick lines. The surface of the paper is also a factor; it’s not perfectly smooth, which adds to the overall texture. I love the simplicity and directness, and it makes me think of other printmakers like Whistler, who also used etching to capture fleeting moments and atmospheric effects. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that art is often about the process of seeing and translating the world around us, rather than creating a perfect representation. It is more about the artist finding a space to explore their creativity.