Seated Girl in a High Collared Cloak

Seated Girl in a High Collared Cloak

Gwen John

1914

gouache

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This painting shows a person sitting sideways, wearing a high collar and a cloak. The colors are mostly muted—soft browns, greens, and whites—with some darker patches. The brushstrokes are loose, almost sketchy, giving it a rough, unfinished look. The artist used watercolor and gouache, blending colors in a way that feels quick and spontaneous. The cloak’s folds are simple but suggest movement, while the face stays mostly hidden. Next, check out watercolor to see how artists use this medium for soft, layered effects.

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