Large Live Oak
1910
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1910
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This sketch shows a single, gnarled tree with thick, twisted branches and a dense crown of leaves. The ground beneath is patchy grass and dirt, with a few small bushes scattered around. The lines are rough and dark, making the tree look heavy and solid. The artist focused on the tree’s rough bark and tangled roots, almost like a study of nature’s strength. The shading is simple but effective, giving the tree a sense of weight. If you like this style, check out Ernest Haskell (American, 1876–1925) for more of his work.