A Rocky Shore at Coombmartin, Devon (Combe Martin Bay)
1783
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1783
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This drawing shows a rugged coastline with steep cliffs and jagged rocks. The water below is calm, and the shore is lined with sharp, uneven boulders. Trees cling to the hillsides, while the sky fades into a soft, pale background. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to show texture in the rocks and waves. This style makes the scene feel rough and natural, almost like a quick outdoor sketch. Next, check out the technique: cross-hatching to see how artists build texture with layers of lines.