A Tree Cut Down
1864
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1864
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This sketch shows a fallen tree trunk in the foreground, its bark rough and uneven. Behind it, a cluster of smaller trees and bushes grow on a rocky hillside, their leaves drawn in loose, quick strokes. The whole scene is done in earthy browns and soft grays, with only a few lighter patches for highlights. The artist focused on rough textures—like the tree’s gnarled roots and the jagged rocks—rather than smooth details. The loose brushwork makes the scene feel quick and natural, almost like a snapshot. Next, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more works like this.