Gezicht op het Damrak te Amsterdam 1910

This sketch of the Damrak in Amsterdam was made by George Hendrik Breitner, probably with charcoal or graphite in a sketchbook. It’s such an interesting way to begin, just putting down the bare bones of what he sees. It reminds me that even a quick sketch can be a complete thought. I love the contrast between the energetic, almost scribbled lines on the right page, and the faint, ghost-like impressions on the left. It’s like two sides of a conversation. Look at the way Breitner uses short, broken lines to suggest the architectural details – windows, roofs, and scaffolding. It’s not about perfect representation but capturing the feeling of the place. He’s not trying to trick us into thinking this IS Amsterdam, but getting the essence of the location down on paper. Breitner’s contemporary James McNeill Whistler also made a lot of sketches and drawings, and I like to think of them both wandering around their cities, recording their impressions. Art is just a conversation, always.