The Arbra Sacra on the Banks of Lake Nemi, Richard Wilson
On Google Art Project; high-resolution downloadable file on Wikimedia Commons, original is in the Yale Center for British Art.
Noted 18th century landscape painter Richard Wilson, who spent much of his time in Italy, gives us a beautifully direct observation of a tree at the edge of a lake south of Rome. Though it looks like it might be a concept drawing for a Lord of the Rings movie, it’s obviously drawn from life.
I love the way his hatch marks both follow around the forms, giving them shape and volume and define the textures within them. He also shows a wonderful touch in the delicate indication of the foliage.
The YCBA page has more details.
In black chalk, highlighted with white chalk, on laid paper, roughly 16×22 inches (39x56cm).
