Artist Research from Amsterdam

These are two illustrators whose work I came across while in Amsterdam. They are both dutch and both work in ink which is relevant to my practice. I am looking at their work to consider how maybe the Dutch lifestyle has influenced their drawings. 

'inkylines'

• Detailed drawings in black and white, can't see any evidence of colour being used in her work. 
• Very fine and delicate line work. 
• Simple layouts and presentation. 
• Appreciation of natural subject matter with a focus on plants and animals. 
• Mainly spot illustrations, not scenes. 

Maartje van den Noort

• Predominantly working in greyscale with a few hints of colour in certain drawings. 
• Uses ink but in more than one way, some work is detailed and intricate, others are more fluid and minimal. 
• Small scale work in sketchbook and large scale work for murals. 
• Subject matter includes natural and man made forms. 

The Dutch nave an ecomomical/efficient way of thinking. There is a general sense of quality and fairness and that everyone should have the same. Extravagance is restricted by this attitude.

'Really enjoying the drink, forgetting about the world for a few moments and paying full attention to the person with whom one is drinking a cup of coffee brings people close in a pleasant, “gezellig” atmosphere.' Taking pleasure in the small things in life. 

The points made here are relevant to the way these two illustrators draw. The idea that extravagance is restricted is clear in these drawings, they are kept simple and although some of them are detailed, they are not elaborate or fancy. The detail is balanced with minimalist presentation. This also allows you to appreciate the drawing more as there are no distractions from it, this links to the idea of taking the time to properly pay attention and enjoy something.