Gezicht op Veere 1923

This sketch of Veere by Alexander Shilling, probably made on the spot with charcoal, invites us into a moment of observation. I imagine Shilling standing there, charcoal in hand, quickly capturing what he sees. The marks are sparse, economical – just enough to suggest the buildings, the trees, the essence of the place. Look how the lines vary in pressure and direction, almost like he's feeling his way through the scene. I think of other artists who have explored similar themes – maybe Whistler or Boudin – artists drawn to the subtleties of light and atmosphere. There's a sense of quiet contemplation here, a feeling of being present in the moment. And it reminds me that art is ultimately about connection – connecting with the world around us, and with each other. These simple marks connect us to the artist, his experience, and the ongoing conversation of art.