Owl
1889
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1889
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This drawing shows an owl perched on a branch. Its feathers are detailed with quick, crisscrossed lines, giving texture to the fluffy body and sharp edges to the wings. The owl’s big eyes stare forward, and its head tilts slightly, as if listening. The artist used tiny strokes to build up shadows and depth, especially in the feathers and background. This method makes the owl look almost three-dimensional. Look up cross-hatching to see how artists use lines to create shading.