Johan Antonie de Jonge sketched this landscape, possibly a dune landscape, with graphite on paper. The artist's choice of material, graphite, is crucial here. The medium allows for quick, expressive lines. We see this in the varying pressure and direction of the strokes. De Jonge captures the transient qualities of light and atmosphere. The paper provides a receptive ground, its texture influencing the graphite’s application. The landscape evokes a sense of place. It is a fleeting moment recorded with immediacy. The artist engages with the physical environment and the traditions of plein air sketching, bringing the studio practice of art making out into the world. Considering these material aspects allows us to look beyond the finished image, inviting us to appreciate the artist's hand and the specific qualities of the materials, and challenging ideas of fine art.