Loenen aan de Vecht, over het water gezien 1872 - 1944

Frans Smissaert made this pastel drawing of Loenen aan de Vecht at an unknown date, but probably in the early 20th century. I like to imagine him outside, maybe sitting on a little folding stool, using soft powdery marks to conjure up this watery landscape. I can really sympathize with the artist as he made this, looking, squinting, recording what he sees, but also what he feels. It's a moody scene, right? The sky is looming, the colors are muted. But there's also something calming about it, a stillness in the water, a sense of quiet observation. The trees and buildings seem to melt into the background haze, achieved by building up thin layers, stroke by stroke. Artists are always looking at other artists, taking notes and expanding their visual vocabulary. In some ways, all paintings are in conversation with one another. They remind us that art is about seeing, feeling, and expressing something about what it means to be alive.