The Annunciation 1921

James Ensor made "The Annunciation" with crayon, and straight away, you notice this isn't about heavy lines, but about layers and textures. It’s like he’s thinking through drawing. Ensor doesn't try to hide the process; you can see every stroke, every decision. This makes the scene feel alive and immediate. I love the way he uses the red crayon to create this otherworldly glow. The marks are a bit scratchy, a bit raw, but that's what gives the piece its energy. Look closely at how the strokes radiate out from the center. It's almost like the whole scene is vibrating, buzzing with a kind of cosmic energy. It reminds me of Redon, you know, that willingness to embrace the weird. Ensor gets that art isn't about answering questions, it's about asking them.