Two Nude Figure Studies
1902
charcoal
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1902
charcoal
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows two figures drawn in loose, quick charcoal lines. One is a standing man with his back to us, arms bent behind his head. The other is a seated woman facing left, her head turned slightly toward us. The lines are rough and sketchy, with no clear background. The artist left some areas almost blank, focusing on shapes and movement over detail. The charcoal is layered in places, giving parts of the drawing a darker, almost smudged look. Check out scumbling to see how artists build up texture with soft, repeated strokes.
