1892
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Trees Leaning over Rocks is a 1892 chalk by Paul Cezanne, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows two gnarled trees with twisted trunks and sparse branches. Their roots cling to rocky ground, and the leaves are painted in soft, smudged blues and greens. The background is mostly blank paper, letting the trees stand out against a pale, uneven surface. The artist used quick watercolor washes and chalk lines to suggest movement, almost like the trees are leaning in. The rocks below are rough but simple, keeping focus on the trees’ shapes. Next, look up watercolor to see how artists mix paint and paper for loose, sketchy effects.
Paul Cézanne was born on January 19, 1839, in Aix-en-Provence, the son of a hatter turned wealthy banker.
See the richer artist page
![The Little Bridge [recto]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/f3c8e2d05f6dc79e/thumb.webp)
