Rotterdam – 01-05-21, Drawing, Pastels on Paper, 2021

Corné Akkers  

Rotterdam Revisited After my last drawing of Rotterdam (Het Depot – 15-03-21) I thought it was time to make another drawing. I had something vague in mind: something impressionistic and rudimentary. Structures of light and shadow in the form of blocks also appeared in my mind. A dear friend and poet, Alexis de Roode, stated that in Rotterdam it is a city where people wound their souls on the sharp edges of skyscrapers. I can recognize myself in that to some extent but there are still pockets of beauty that maintain their historical status amidst the expanding high-rise buildings. The Maritime District in particular the Maritime District (the old port) right in the center continues to offer something to the eye of an artist. Without the risk of being outdated. I was struck by old ships and cranes that remain. Perhaps they are charming remnants offered to tourists, who knows. In the background the Zalmtoren is under construction. Overall the contrast between the old and the new seemed very pleasant to look at. This is where I made this drawing, partially on site. Rather Dark Because there was a beautiful tree on the left I placed a big cloud to the right of it. It was a cloudy day anyway and I therefore had all the ingredients: nature and industrial landscape. I kept the drawing rather dark and sketched, revealing only an impression of the outline demarcation of ships, buildings, and cranes. I enjoyed making this one at the beginning of a beautiful season of outdoor sketches to come, I hope. Finally and above all, on Labour Day I find it appropriate to make this drawing of the working city of Rotterdam, also called RoTown. Hoping one day to sit on the roof of Het Depot, sip a lager and look at 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: Cornè Akkers :: Drawing :: Impressionist :: This work is accompanied by an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: To hang: No :: Signed: Yes :: Signature placement: Right middle :: Paper: Landscape :: Original: Yes :: Framed: No