Old Man by a River
1863
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1863
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This small painting shows an older man leaning on a wooden railing by a quiet river. Behind him, a simple house with a red roof sits next to a stone wall, while trees line the water’s edge. The sky is soft with light blue and pink brushstrokes, and the water looks calm. The artist used quick, loose strokes to capture the scene, focusing on everyday life. The light brown paper and watery colors give it a gentle, sketchy feel. Look up watercolor to see how artists use thin layers of paint to create light and shadow.