Cyclamen V 1964 - 1965

Ellsworth Kelly made this drawing, "Cyclamen V," with pencil on paper. It’s all about the line here, right? Each one feels so deliberate, almost scientific in its precision, yet they come together to form something so delicate and organic. Look closely at how Kelly renders the petals, each curve and angle perfectly capturing the flower's essence. The subtle variations in line weight give the drawing a sense of depth and movement. Notice how some lines are bolder, defining the outer edges, while others are lighter, suggesting interior forms and shadows. It reminds me a bit of Matisse's line drawings, but with a distinctly American sensibility. There's a certain coolness, a detachment, but also a deep appreciation for the natural world. It shows us how art isn’t just about representation, it’s about seeing and feeling. We should embrace ambiguity and the multiple layers of meaning that an artwork can offer.