An Oak Tree
1795
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1795
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a single oak tree with a thick trunk and sprawling roots. The branches twist upward, covered in clusters of leaves. The lines are loose but precise, with some areas shaded lightly in gray. The artist used ink and a faint wash to add depth without heavy color. The paper looks old, with a slight yellow tone. Check out the technique: cross-hatching to see how artists build texture with lines.