Creating Rotterdam – 01-05-21

Website link: https://corneakkers.com/rotterdam-01-05-21
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Rotterdam Revisited

After my last drawing of Rotterdam (Het Depot – 15-03-21) I thought it was time to do another drawing. I had something vague in mind: something impressionistic and rudimentary. Block-like structures of light and dark also popped up in my head. A dear friend of mine and poet, Alexis de Roode, once declared Rotterdam to be a city in which people injure their soul on the sharp edges of skyscapers. I can relate to that to some extent but there are some remaining pockets of beauty making their historical stand amidst advancing high-rise buildings.

The Maritime District

In particular the Maritime District (the old harbour) right in the centre still has something to offer to the eye of an artist. Without the risk of getting corny though. I was struck by some old boats and cranes that remain. Perhaps they are eyecarming leftovers being fed to tourists, who knows. At the back the Zalmtoren is being built. All-in all the old and new contrast I found very pleasant to look at. Hence this drawing that I made, partially on the spot.

Rather Gloomy

Because there was a nice tree to the left I placed a big cloud to the right of it. It was a cloudy day anyway and thus I had all ingredients: nature and industrial scenery. I kept the drawing rather gloomy and sketchy, only revealing an impression of contour delineation of ships, buildings and cranes. I enjoyed doing this one at the beginning of a fine season of outdoor sketching to come, I hope. Last but not least, on Labour Day I find it is appropiate to do this drawing of working class town Rotterdam, also called RoTown. Hoping for a day to come to sit on the roof top of Het Depot, sipping on a lager and looking out over this city that continues to fascinate.

Graphite pencil drawing (Sakura 0.5 mm, 4B) on Winsor & Newton paper (21 x 14.8 x 0.1 cm – A5 format)
Artist: Corné Akkers