Studie, mogelijk van vegetatie 1881 - 1927

This study of vegetation was made by Johan Antonie de Jonge. It’s a subtle dance of graphite and watercolor, a whisper of the natural world captured on paper. I love the vulnerability of sketches like this; there is a refreshing honesty to the open and exposed process. De Jonge’s mark making feels provisional, like he’s feeling his way through the forms. The strokes, delicate and tentative, build up a sense of depth and volume. The color palette is muted, earthy tones, creating a sense of quiet observation. It reminds me of being in a garden after the rain, when everything feels still and contemplative. Look at that small patch of shading, how the parallel lines curve and bend to describe the form, it’s a beautiful way of making a shape appear without needing to draw the whole thing. De Jonge’s light touch feels akin to the work of Agnes Martin, where simple gestures carry immense emotional weight. It’s a reminder that art is not about perfection, but about the ongoing conversation between the artist and the world.