Under the Trees
1900
crayon
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1900
crayon
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a simple street scene under a big tree. A few people walk or stand near a building with a sign—maybe a shop or café. A horse-drawn carriage is parked to the right, and the ground looks uneven, like a mix of dirt and cobblestones. The artist used only black crayon, so everything is in shades of gray. The loose, sketchy lines make it feel quick, like the artist drew it fast outside. The people and buildings aren’t perfectly detailed, which gives the scene a lived-in, real feel. If you like this style, check out Impressionism.