The Bars from Tantallon, Scotland 1863

This ink and graphite drawing on paper was made by William Leighton Leitch, likely en plein air in Scotland. The directness of the medium lends itself well to capturing the immediacy of the landscape and the weather. The drawing’s apparent simplicity belies the artist's skill in handling line and tone. The textures of the rocks, water, and sky, all rendered with subtle variations in pressure, create a palpable sense of place. The lack of color focuses attention on the structural forms and their relationships within the composition. As a commercial artist, Leitch was tasked with representing the world for mass consumption. It is interesting that he chose to use the bare minimum of materials to make this study of Tantallon. The artist’s hand, and the land, are all we need to appreciate this scene. In the end, it’s a reminder that the most humble materials can carry the greatest significance.