Schilderende vrouw c. 1915s - 1925s

Isaac Israels made this drawing, Schilderende vrouw, with pencil. Isn't it funny to see a drawing of a painter? It gives us a peek into the artist's world, a world of constant looking and trying to capture something fleeting. Israels' lines are so light, so tentative, like he's feeling his way around the subject. You can almost see him thinking, adjusting, and correcting as he goes. Look at how the lines build up, especially around the figure's face and arms. It's not about perfect representation, but about the process of seeing and recording. The texture of the paper peeks through, reminding us of the physical act of drawing. This reminds me of Degas and his dancers, always capturing the behind-the-scenes moments, the practice, the effort. It’s like Israels is showing us that art isn't just about the finished product, but about the journey, the searching, the constant questioning. It's okay to leave things unresolved, to embrace the sketchiness, because that's where the life is.