Twee naakte vrouwen zittend aan zee 1891 - 1941

Leo Gestel drew these two nude women sitting by the sea with pen and ink. Look at how he’s so economical with his marks! It’s all outline, like a coloring book page, but the negative space does so much work. The sea is just a few horizontal lines and the women are simplified forms with minimal detail. I can imagine Gestel making quick, confident strokes, trusting the viewer to fill in the blanks. Check out how the sketchy lines of the blanket contrast with the smooth curves of their bodies. It’s all suggestion, not description. Gestel clearly looked at Matisse. Both artists share a love of simple forms and bold outlines. But while Matisse is all about color and pattern, Gestel strips things down to their essence. For Gestel, it’s not about what you add, but what you take away. It's like a recipe; sometimes less is more!