1880
graphite
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Studies for Elaine is a 1880 graphite by Thomas Hovenden, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This quick sketch shows two people standing side by side, facing away from us. Their bodies are simple lines—no faces, just loose curves for heads and shoulders. The paper is blue, and the graphite strokes are light, almost like a quick note. The artist left out details like clothes or background, focusing only on the shapes. This style was common in sketching real-life poses. Next, check out Realism to see more art that focuses on everyday truth over fancy details.
Thomas Hovenden (December 28, 1840 – August 14, 1895) was an Irish-born painter and teacher who spent most of his life in the United States.
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