Oude den op open plek, met kleurnotities 1876 - 1924

Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof rendered this landscape on paper, using graphite, sometime before his death in 1924. The material itself, humble and readily available, speaks to a direct engagement with the natural world. Look closely, and you can see how Dijsselhof used the graphite to build up tone, creating depth and atmosphere. The softness of the graphite allows for subtle gradations, capturing the nuances of light and shadow playing across the scene. The texture of the paper also plays its part, providing a slightly rough surface that catches the graphite, adding to the overall sense of immediacy. Dijsselhof's process emphasizes the importance of direct observation. He's not just depicting a landscape, he's recording his experience of it. The quick, gestural marks suggest a sense of urgency, as if he's trying to capture a fleeting moment. The annotations add another layer, revealing his thought process as he analyzes the colors and forms around him. This drawing reminds us that art doesn't always require elaborate materials or complex techniques. Sometimes, the simplest tools can be used to create something truly meaningful, born from careful attention and skilled handwork.