A Clearing in a Forest

A Clearing in a Forest

John Varley

1834

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a quiet forest glade. A lone figure stands near the center, looking toward a cluster of trees. The trees are loose, sketchy strokes—some thick with leaves, others bare. The ground is rough with scattered branches and rocks, and the sky peeks faintly through the branches. The artist used quick, uneven lines to suggest light and shadow. The ink looks watery in spots, almost like a faded sketch. The whole scene feels rough and unfinished, as if drawn fast. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build texture with lines.

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