Elms, Hudson 1866

Andrew Fisher Bunner made this pencil drawing, Elms, Hudson, on paper. The medium allows for fine lines and subtle gradations of tone, creating a delicate, almost ethereal depiction of the trees. Pencil, made of graphite, offers a direct connection between the artist's hand and the paper's surface; each stroke is a record of the artist's movement and pressure. The texture of the paper itself influences the appearance of the drawing, adding a slight toothiness to the lines. Looking closely, you can see the layering of strokes used to build up shadows and define the forms of the elms. There is a sense of immediacy and intimacy, as if Bunner captured the scene on site. The simplicity of the materials belies the skill required to render the complexity of nature with such economy. Paying attention to the materials and methods used by the artist gives us a richer appreciation for the work.