The Gust of Wind (Le Coup de vent)
1871
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1871
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a windy landscape with bare trees bent sideways and wavy lines for grass or water. The sky is just a few quick strokes—no clouds, just empty space. A small building or tower sits in the distance, half-hidden by the swirling lines. The artist used loose, sketchy marks to show movement, almost like the wind itself is still blowing. This was made as a quick study, not a finished painting. Next, look up lithography to see how this printmaking technique works.
