The Big Trees 

Alphonse Legros made this landscape drawing using brown ink and wash on paper. It's not just the image of trees that's important here, but how Legros worked with his chosen materials. The brown ink, applied with delicate strokes and washes, gives the scene a sense of depth and atmosphere. You can almost feel the dappled light filtering through the leaves. Notice how the ink bleeds slightly into the paper, softening the edges and creating a sense of organic growth. The process of drawing with ink is also crucial to understanding this artwork. Each line and wash represents a deliberate decision by Legros, a negotiation between his vision and the inherent qualities of the ink and paper. This focus on material and making allows us to appreciate the skill and artistry involved in creating this seemingly simple landscape. It's a reminder that even the most traditional mediums can be used in innovative and expressive ways.