Lock on the Thames
1871
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1871
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This painting shows a quiet riverbank scene with soft, loose brushstrokes. A small boat sits on the shore, pulled up near a grassy hill. Two people are resting on the ground in the foreground, while trees and distant hills fade into a pale sky. The colors are muted, with greens and browns blending into the light. The brushwork is quick and sketchy, almost like a quick sketch rather than a polished finish. This style was used to capture light and movement in everyday scenes. Next, look up Impressionism to see how this painting fits into that movement.
