Sun's Rays Breaking through Storm Clouds (from Sketchbook VI,I) 1886

William Trost Richards made this graphite drawing, Sun's Rays Breaking through Storm Clouds, directly in a sketchbook. With a series of quick strokes and layered hatching, Richards captured a fleeting atmospheric moment. The choice of graphite, a readily available and portable material, speaks to the artist's intent to record observations from life. We can see the artist's process in the varying pressure of the pencil, creating depth and contrast, as well as the softness of the smudged areas that convey the hazy light. The sketchbook format itself emphasizes the immediacy and intimacy of the artistic process. Rather than a highly finished studio work, this drawing offers a glimpse into the artist's direct engagement with the natural world. It is a testament to the value of observation, and the role of drawing as a fundamental skill across both art and craft traditions. Appreciating the material and process allows us to see the beauty in this quiet study.