Coastal Seascape
1880
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1880
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This painting shows a quiet shoreline with calm water, a few scattered rocks, and a single boat resting on the beach. A big tree with twisted branches leans over the scene, while smaller trees line the background. The colors are soft—greens, blues, and light browns—with a gentle glow over everything. The artist used a smooth, watery paint called gouache, which keeps the colors bright but blends easily. The brushstrokes are loose, almost like quick sketches, but still feel real. If you like this style, look up Impressionism next.