Klokgevel 1901 - 1907

Willem Witsen made this drawing, Klokgevel, using black chalk, probably in situ. I can imagine him perched outside, squinting through the sunlight, trying to capture the building in front of him. Look how the chalk is applied so lightly, barely there, leaving open space and soft edges. There is so much unresolved, gestural and delicate about the drawing. I love that. The building is described with just a few lines. It's like a conversation that trails off mid-sentence. It reminds me of other sketchers like Philip Guston who were able to be both so free and precise at the same time. A drawing like this is part of an ongoing conversation, an exchange of ideas across time, inspiring creativity in all of us. It’s a form of expression which embraces ambiguity, allowing for multiple interpretations.