Ruiter 1875 - 1934

This drawing of a horse and rider was made by Isaac Israels. The quick, fluid lines, almost scribbles, make you think about how artmaking can be a process of instant recording, like a visual note jotted down in the moment. What I love about this sketch is how Israels captures movement and energy with so few lines. The horse's head is particularly expressive, those scribbled lines suggesting muscle and bone. It's not about perfect realism, but about conveying the essence of the subject. You can almost feel the horse breathing. Israels reminds me of other artists who used drawing as a way of thinking. Like Cy Twombly, he had this incredible lightness of touch. It's like they're not trying to impress you with their skill, but inviting you into their way of seeing. It’s this open-endedness that makes art so exciting.