A Rocky Shore at Coombmartin, Devon (Combe Martin Bay)

A Rocky Shore at Coombmartin, Devon (Combe Martin Bay)

Francis Towne

1783

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

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.

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