Bomen 1880

Louis Apol made this study of trees with graphite on paper. These are humble materials, of course, utterly unlike the expensive pigments and canvases used for finished paintings. The artist has used the pencil in a variety of ways, from short, sharp strokes suggesting the texture of bark, to longer, flowing lines that describe the overall form of the trees. There is a clear distinction between this drawing and the completed oil paintings for which Apol is best known. These are highly detailed, romanticized landscapes. But in this study, we see the labor of observation, the artist working through the process of understanding his subject. Although graphite and paper are common materials, Apol's skilled handling transforms them into something expressive and beautiful. The image reminds us that even the most seemingly straightforward materials can be imbued with artistic value through the skill and vision of the maker.