Bomen aan een waterkant c. 1909s

Alexander Shilling made this sketchbook drawing of trees by the water at some point in his life. Isn't it funny how a bunch of lines can become a whole world? I’m really drawn to the way Shilling uses hatching to build up form. On the right, see how those dark, closely packed lines give the tree trunk a real sense of weight and volume? It's like he’s carving the image out of the page with his pencil. And then, over on the left, the lighter, more scattered lines create a sense of airiness and light. For me, this piece is all about process. You can almost feel Shilling’s hand moving across the page, responding to what he sees. It reminds me that art isn’t just about the finished product, it’s about the act of looking, feeling, and making. Think Constable, but maybe a little more rough-and-tumble.