Lesson Study on Jersey Coast

Lesson Study on Jersey Coast

John La Farge

1881

gouache

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This painting shows a rough, choppy sea in dark blues and grays, taking up most of the picture. Above it, the sky is pale with soft clouds, some darker near the horizon. The waves look wild, while the sky stays calm and light. The artist used thin, layered colors to create the effect of water and light. This was done on paper, not canvas, which makes the colors look delicate. Look up watercolor glazing to see how artists build up light and depth.

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