Who painted Point Lobos, California?

Point Lobos, California was painted by Samuel Colman in 1886.

Where can I see Point Lobos, California?

Point Lobos, California is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Point Lobos, California?

Point Lobos, California is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Point Lobos, California?

Museum-quality prints of Point Lobos, California are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Point Lobos, California

Samuel Colman , 1886

Point Lobos, California is an ink drawing by the Impressionist artist Samuel Colman. It dates from 1886 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The composition presents steep cliffs, a solitary tree and surf‑filled rocks, rendered in a swift, observational manner.

Created around 1886, this drawing by Samuel Colman records the rugged shoreline of Point Lobos in California. Executed on light‑brown wove paper, the work combines pen, ink, watercolor, pastel and graphite, resulting in a multi‑media study that captures the immediacy of the landscape. The composition presents steep cliffs, a solitary tree and surf‑filled rocks, rendered in a swift, observational manner.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts the dramatic coastal terrain of Point Lobos, a locale known for its sheer cliffs and turbulent sea. A lone tree clings to the edge of the rock face, emphasizing the tension between land and water. The sketch functions as a visual record of the natural environment, highlighting the raw power of the waves and the starkness of the geology.

Technique & Style

Colman employed a combination of pen and black ink for structural outlines, while green and other watercolor washes suggest atmospheric depth. Pastel accents and graphite shading add texture to the cliffs and foliage. The loose, gestural lines convey movement, and the layered washes create a soft, luminous quality typical of late‑nineteenth‑century American landscape studies.

History & Provenance

The work is dated circa 1886, a period when Colman was producing numerous plein‑air sketches for later, larger prints and paintings. The piece likely served as a preparatory study for a more finished composition. It remains part of the artist’s documented output from his West Coast travels, illustrating his interest in capturing specific American locales.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Samuel Colman

Samuel Colman (March 4, 1832 – March 26, 1920) was an American painter, interior designer, and writer, probably best remembered for his paintings of the Hudson River.