In the Sierras, A Pack Train
1875
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1875
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a group of people riding horses and leading pack animals through a rugged, wooded landscape. The trees are tall and thin, with rough bark, while the ground is uneven with rocks and brush. The artist used quick, loose lines to suggest movement and texture, leaving some areas lightly shaded. The sketch feels alive, like the artist was capturing a moment on the spot. The horses and riders look tired but determined, moving through a wild, untamed area. If you like this style, look up cross-hatching to see how artists build texture with lines.