Zich kappende vrouw, op de rug gezien 1915

Rik Wouters made this drawing of a woman cutting her hair, seen from the back, with ink on paper. It’s all lines, hatch marks, and squiggles; the marks are economic but descriptive. I love the confidence of this drawing. Wouters isn’t just copying what he sees, he’s constructing an image that prioritizes line over detail. The strokes are so bold, they confidently suggest form without getting bogged down in realism. And there's a raw energy here. It's like you can feel Wouters making the marks; quick decisions and spontaneous gestures that capture a fleeting moment. You know, as a painter, I often think about how much to leave out. What details are essential, and what can be suggested with just a few strokes? Wouters reminds us that sometimes, less really is more. The simplest mark can convey so much. He reminds me that we’re all in conversation with each other, playing with ideas and pushing the boundaries of seeing and feeling.