View of Docks (Long Island Sound?) (from Sketchbook) 1858 - 1916

This is a drawing of Long Island Sound made by Henry Ward Ranger, using graphite on paper. Graphite, derived from the earth, is here used as a direct and immediate medium. Look at the marks Ranger made. Notice how the material allows for quick, gestural lines that capture the scene's essence. The softness of the graphite enables a range of tonal values, from light grays to deep blacks, creating depth and atmosphere with minimal strokes. The tooth of the paper holds the graphite, giving the drawing a textured quality that adds to its visual interest. Ranger's approach emphasizes the direct, physical engagement with the subject matter. The sketch's immediacy brings us closer to the waterfront's labor and industrial activities. It underscores the significance of artistic practices rooted in the social context of the working landscape. Through graphite and paper, Ranger bridges the gap between everyday life and artistic expression.