The artwork, titled “Sketch for The West Wind,” was created by the artist Tom Thomson in the year 1916. Utilizing the medium of oil on wood, this piece belongs to the Post-Impressionism art movement and is classified within the sketch and study genre.
In this artwork, Tom Thomson depicts a dynamic landscape characterized by a windswept tree positioned near a body of water, beneath a vast, overcast sky. The tree, central to the composition, appears to be bending under the force of the wind, its branches and foliage delineated with bold, expressive brushstrokes. The surrounding landscape, composed of distant, dark silhouettes of hills or mountains, contrasts with the choppy water that reflects the tumultuous atmosphere. The sky is layered with textured clouds, adding to the overall impression of a restless natural setting. The piece’s vibrant use of color and energetic brushwork exemplify the emotional intensity and movement characteristic of the Post-Impressionism movement.