Rousillon 1982

Rein Dool’s “Rousillon” is made with graphite on paper, a humble pairing of materials that belies the artist's adept control. The essence of drawing lies in the direct relationship between hand, tool, and surface. Here, the soft graphite allows for delicate gradations of tone, capturing the subtle nuances of light and shadow across the landscape. Dool’s technique seems effortless, yet the density of the foliage and the subtle undulations of the terrain suggest a deep understanding of the landscape's structure. The varying pressure and direction of each stroke create texture, depth, and form. The labor involved is evident in the sheer number of marks on the page. Each line represents a deliberate act of observation and translation, building up a rich and complex image from the simplest of means. By focusing on the interplay of material, process, and observation, we can begin to appreciate the full depth of Dool's work, and challenge conventional distinctions between art and craft.