Portrait of J. M. W. Turner
1850
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1850
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This sketch shows a balding man in profile, looking down and slightly to the side. His high forehead and neatly trimmed beard are clear, and he wears a high-collared coat with a cravat. The drawing is loose and quick, with soft pencil lines that leave some areas fuzzy. The artist signed it in the corner—just a quick scrawl. It’s not polished, but the face feels real, like a quick study rather than a finished portrait. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build shading with layers of lines.
