Studier af Hyacint, med artsangivelse 1919

Here is a page from a sketchbook by Niels Larsen Stevns, featuring a study of hyacinths, made with delicate lines and notations. I can imagine Stevns in his studio, or even out in a garden, carefully observing the structure of these flowers. Maybe he was thinking about the challenge of capturing their delicate forms with a simple line, or the subtle way the petals curl. There is a vulnerability and an immediacy to sketchbooks. I love the way the lines are not overworked, but rather capture the essence of the plant, the rhythm of the petals and leaves. There’s an intimacy to the work. It's a conversation between the artist and the plant, a moment of seeing and responding. Looking at this makes me want to grab a pen and paper and start drawing myself. It's a reminder that art doesn't always have to be grand or finished; it can be a simple act of observation and mark-making, a way to connect with the world around us. It's a reminder that we’re all connected, all part of this ongoing exchange.