The Puerta del Sol, Madrid c. 1903

Joseph Pennell made this sketch of The Puerta del Sol in Madrid, using graphite and wash on canvas. It's all about process, right? You can practically feel Pennell's hand moving across the surface, sketching the bustling square with quick, energetic strokes. The texture is alive, the graphite almost dances on the canvas. Look at how he uses the wash to create depth, those layers of grey give a real sense of atmosphere, like the city itself is breathing. There’s a beautiful chaos, yet also a structure—those buildings looming in the background holding the whole thing together. And those ghostly white marks scattered across the canvas? They're like flashes of light, capturing the city’s vibrant energy. It reminds me a bit of Whistler, especially his etchings, but with a bit more grit. Pennell's not just showing us a place, he’s giving us an experience, a moment in time that’s both specific and timeless.