Open full image Pin

Study for "Toning the Bell"

Walter Shirlaw

1874

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Portrait Violin

Dominant colour

Study for "Toning the Bell" is a 1874 graphite by Walter Shirlaw, a Impressionism work, depicting Violin, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Walter Shirlaw
When & what style?: 1874 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This painting shows a scene with people and objects in brown ink. It's a study for a larger work, which is interesting because it gives us a glimpse into the artist's process. The use of brown ink wash over graphite creates a sense of depth and texture. Check out the technique of cross-hatching to learn more about how artists create shading and dimension in their work.