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Figure Studies

Charles Sprague Pearce

1894

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Figure Studies is a 1894 graphite by Charles Sprague Pearce, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Charles Sprague Pearce
When & what style?: 1894 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a loose, quick drawing of a person in a long coat and hat, leaning forward slightly. The brushstrokes are rough and uneven, with splashes of blue, pink, and gray blending into the tan paper. The background is barely there—just a few faint lines and shapes that look like trees or buildings. The artist used watercolor and white paint to build up the figure, leaving some areas sketchy while others pop with color. It feels like a practice piece, maybe for a bigger work. Next, check out watercolor to see how artists use thin layers of paint to create depth.