Park met bomen Possibly 1906 - 1909

Willem Witsen made this drawing, Park met bomen, with crayon, and it feels like such a personal record. The mark making is so responsive, light and dark in the sky, and the way the crayon drags over the paper feels almost atmospheric, like it might have been smudged by the wind. The whole thing has this incredible balance between detail and suggestion, like he's showing us exactly what he sees, but also inviting us to imagine the rest. The texture of the crayon on the page adds to this feeling, giving everything a soft, hazy quality. Look at the lines that make up the trees, they feel so alive, like they're reaching out in all directions. It’s not quite impressionism, but the touch is super light. Witsen reminds me of Vuillard. Both have this amazing sense of capturing a moment, not in a photo-realistic way, but in a way that feels deeply felt and remembered. You are never quite sure if you are looking at something real or imagined, and that’s what makes it so cool.