Rockpool - Jacobien de Rooij

A contemporary pastel study by Dutch artist Jacobien de Rooij, capturing the organic textures and shifting colours of a tidal rockpool.

Jacobien de Rooij, a Dutch artist born in 1959, explores the intersection of observation and abstraction in this work, Rockpool. Executed in pastel on paper, the piece captures the organic, shifting nature of a tidal pool. The composition avoids traditional perspective, opting instead for a flattened, aerial view that emphasises the textures and colours of the marine environment.

De Rooij employs a soft, tactile application of pigment. The pastel medium allows for a layering of earthy browns, muted ochres, and sudden, bright accents of turquoise and violet. These colours mimic the interplay of light on water and the varied surfaces of submerged stones or marine life. Small, stippled marks suggest the presence of sand, barnacles, or light reflecting off the surface, adding a rhythmic quality to the surface of the paper.

The work is not a literal depiction of a specific location. Rather, it functions as a study of form and colour derived from natural phenomena. The artist balances areas of dense, saturated colour with lighter, more ethereal passages. This approach creates a sense of depth without relying on conventional spatial cues. The edges of the forms are soft, suggesting the fluid boundaries found in nature. By focusing on the micro-details of the rockpool, the artist invites the viewer to consider the complexity of small-scale ecosystems. The work reflects a sustained interest in the physical properties of her materials and the visual language of the natural world, presented here with a focus on balance and chromatic harmony.