Snow-capped peak 

William Leighton Leitch created this watercolor painting of a snow-capped mountain, most likely en plein air. Look closely, and you can see the wispy brushstrokes. Unlike oil paint, watercolor doesn't allow for much correction; the artist had to be precise, building up the image with thin washes of pigment. The layering of these translucent washes gives the mountains their depth and atmospheric perspective. There's a real skill in capturing the play of light on the peaks and the misty valleys below. Watercolor was a popular medium for landscape artists in the 19th century. It was portable and quick-drying, perfect for sketching outdoors. But it was also seen as a less serious medium than oil paint. By focusing on the qualities of light and atmosphere, Leitch elevates the medium, demonstrating how even the simplest materials can be used to create a lasting impression.