Rein Dool. Drawings

Rein Dool was raised in a household in which the father behaved in a despotic manner towards his wife and son. Drawing became a means of escape. As he roamed the countryside, Dool developed a talent for drawing from nature, based on close and detailed observation. This was to continue as a fundamental part of his art throughout his career.

Dool began his training as a lithographer at the age of 14. He learned freehand drawing for letters and decoration, and how to mix inks in order to obtain the correct colours for photolithography. The first surviving works by him – figure studies, landscapes and portraits – are not dated and it is difficult to establish their chronology.

In 1961, the artist decided to devote his time entirely to his art. He practised drawing and lithography as well as painting. The work of Rein Dool, as the exhibition demonstrates, is particularly varied. Although the artist is a master of drawing from life, he also often sees this as a constraint on his creative freedom. During the 1970s, the artist succeeded in translating powerful emotions through the medium of very simplified drawn faces. Dool is particularly interested in how just a few strokes can be used to compose a head. As he draws a simple zig-zag line and adds an eye, the ‘Dool’ head is born. These heads recur frequently and form an integral part of this artist’s multi-faceted output.

Throughout his career, Rein Dool has always alternated semi-abstract scenes with periods spent drawing landscapes from life. He is a keen traveller and has sketched in Burma, Scotland and France. More recently he has steeped himself in the wild landscapes of Spain. With his Spanish panoramas he has created a personal style well suited to the rough oriental paper he likes so much.

In 2013 he began the series titled ‘Parks’. These large charcoal drawings demand enormous concentration from the artist; they are characterised by rich tones used to convey a peaceful atmosphere. The imposing ‘parks’ bear no resemblance to his pen drawings from nature.

Dool likes to draw his close friends, family, artists, writers and poets. Although the portraits are realistic, the artist often slightly exaggerates facial expressions. These works should be viewed mainly as an expression of their character rather than an exact representation of their appearance. The exhibition ends with some recent sheets; at the age of 90, the artist and draughtsman is still at work.

In spite of the great diversity of techniques, materials and styles of drawing used by Dool, a strong relationship can be perceived pervading all the work. It arises from the artist’s keen sense of observation, from his original style, from the themes that he returns to again and again; it demonstrates his wonder at what the world has to offer, his compassion and his sense of humour when faced with humankind and human emotions.

This exhibition is organised in collaboration with the Dordrechts Museum, where it was shown from 11 December 2022 to 21 May 2023.