Meadows near Rijswijk and the Schenkweg 1882

Vincent van Gogh created this watercolor and pencil drawing of the meadows near Rijswijk. Van Gogh’s choice of humble materials allowed him to capture the landscape's raw beauty, and the everyday activities of the people within it. You can see the subtle washes of color, and the delicate lines created by the pencil, building texture and depth. There is a softness to the green field in the foreground and the sky above, which adds to the painting’s sense of calm. Van Gogh’s use of watercolor reflects his interest in capturing the essence of the landscape. The painting portrays the rural Dutch landscape, capturing the atmosphere of daily life. Ultimately, this drawing reminds us that art does not need to be grand or imposing to be meaningful. Instead, it can be found in the simple, everyday moments that surround us.