A Blasted Tree c. 1785

drawing

toned paper

light pencil work

ink painting

pencil sketch

charcoal drawing

pencil drawing

ink drawing experimentation

england

underpainting

watercolour illustration

watercolor

"A Blasted Tree" is a graphite drawing on paper by the American artist Benjamin West, created around 1785. The drawing depicts a single, gnarled tree with a large hollow in its trunk and a few branches reaching towards the sky. This study of nature demonstrates West's meticulous attention to detail and his skill in rendering the textures of bark and branches. The simple composition and realistic portrayal of the tree highlight the artist's interest in the natural world, a theme that would continue to influence his later work.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Born in colonial Pennsylvania, Benjamin West enjoyed a meteoric career in England, where he became a court painter to King George III and longtime president of the Royal Academy. Though primarily known as a painter of grand historical scenes, West enjoyed sketching outdoors during his free time. His close relationship with the king gave him access to the parklands around Windsor Castle, where he marveled at ancient trees that survived with just a few scant branches of leaves projecting from their twisted, weather-beaten stumps. In his fascination with the forces of nature—both its destructive power and the will to survive—West is regarded as a forerunner of Romantic artists of the next generation.