The watchtower

by Niek van Wijngaarden

From the Ordinary People series

At first glance, this series shows strange figures in peculiar situations - rendered in an unusual way. Yet all my drawings in this series have one thing in common: they depict something human.
However funny or droll the image may appear, there is always a serious undertone or emotion lurking beneath the surface.

The characters all seem to be on the move - on a journey, perhaps? On their way to something. What exactly, remains unclear. But one thing is certain: they are all moving in the same direction.

My images are created during spontaneous sketching sessions. When I see something recognisable emerging, I follow that trail and let myself be surprised by where it leads.

As an illustrator, I am used to working from a fixed idea or a concrete assignment. But in this series, I follow my own path. And honestly: I find it at least as exciting as you to discover where the next step leads.

Line, shape and texture have always been important to me. They can help interpret what you see. But one thing is certain: the longer you look, the more you will discover - and the more layers or meanings you can add yourself.

Pencil drawing (May 2024)
On Daler Rowney paper. 220 gsm, acid-free
21 x 29.7 cm