Huis tussen de bomen 1854 - 1868

Johannes Tavenraat made this sketch of a house among trees with pen and brown ink, and brush in gray. The artist's hand is evident in every stroke. The pen lines scratch out the basic architecture, while the ink wash gives depth and shadow, particularly to the foliage. What’s interesting to me is the immediacy of the work. It is a quick study, meant to capture the essence of the scene, not laboriously depict every detail. This economy of means is important. Tavenraat’s materials were easily portable, and required relative little investment. The accessibility of pen, ink and paper democratized art making. It allowed for artistic expression to extend beyond the boundaries of the traditional art world of oil paint and canvas, and the demands of its elite patrons. Ultimately, the sketch reminds us that art can be found in the everyday, and made with the simplest of means.