Figuurstudies 1875 - 1934

Isaac Israels created these ‘Figuurstudies’, or ‘Figure Studies’ with pencil on paper. Looking at these figures, I imagine the artist quickly capturing fleeting moments. He is trying to grab something ephemeral, like light hitting a form, or someone sitting. He uses this splayed out format, which is very practical, so that he can have a few attempts. The marks are tentative, searching, it is not about precision or the need to be right. Look at the way he renders the forms. It's all about trying to find the line, trying to grasp something real as it slips away. I admire his playfulness. He has a way of creating an image, and then almost immediately disrupting it. It's like he's having a conversation with himself on paper. I feel a deep sense of connection with Israels, because art-making is always about this sort of conversation between artists, across time, inspiring and influencing each other. Like Israels, we're constantly learning, experimenting, and pushing the boundaries of our expression.