Artwork
Plum
Plum is a watercolor drawing by John Henry Hill. It dates from 1903 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The painting looks simple but the artist used thin layers of wet paint to build up the plum’s color—almost like staining glass.
This is a single plum resting on a rough, textured surface. The fruit is deep red with a slightly fuzzy skin, and a small stem sticks out from the top. The background is a pale, uneven wash of color, almost like the paper itself.
The painting looks simple but the artist used thin layers of wet paint to build up the plum’s color—almost like staining glass. It’s signed and dated 1903 in the corner.
Try looking up watercolor, glazing to see how this technique works.
Overview
Plum is a watercolor drawing created by John Henry Hill in 1903.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a single plum on a rough surface, characterized by its deep red color and fuzzy skin, with a small stem visible.
Technique & Style
The artist achieved the plum's color through thin, layered applications of wet paint, creating a glazed effect. This technique builds up the color gradually, much like staining glass.
History & Provenance
The work is signed and dated 1903 in the corner, providing a clear attribution to John Henry Hill.
Artist & collection
