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Landscape Pencil Drawings

Landscape pencil drawings have been created for centuries due to the medium's unique ability to capture chiaroscuro and fine detail. The finely sharpened graphite end of the pencil gives artists the ability to render their landscape in taxonomic detail or use gestural freedom.

While mentions of a writing implement with a graphite core date back to the 16th century, the modern pencil likely did not emerge until the 18th century. Comparatively speaking, pencil drawings of every sort are a recent addition to the world of fine art.

Artists ranging from Paul Gauguin to David Hockney have contributed compelling landscape drawings in both monochromatic graphite and vibrant shades of colored pencil. Many artists prize pencil for its artistic connotations as well as its expressive possibilities. It is a medium that is unpretentious, enjoying equal popularity by children and master artists. But in the hands of a competent draftsman, pencil can be transformed into a medium of incredible precision and fluidity.


Quick Facts

  • While Impressionist painters such as Claude Monet are best known for their paintings, many also created their most acclaimed subjects as pencil drawings. These include works such as Monet’s views of the Normandy coast
  • Celebrated contemporary artist Gerhard Richter creates pencil works that blur the distinctions between abstraction and landscape drawings
  • "Landscape with Cows" by French Impressionist artist Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot featuring pencil on paper sold at Christie’s in 2014 for more than $11,000

Recommended Items at Auction

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Encampment with Teepees by Joseph Henry Sharp
Feb 19, 11:00 AM EST
Encampment with Teepees by Joseph Henry Sharp
by Caza Sikes
Est: $10,000- $15,000
$11,0005 Bids
Jules VAN DE LEENE (1887-1962), charcoal drawing Hiver à Gand, signed and dated 1925
Feb 18, 6:00 PM CET
Jules VAN DE LEENE (1887-1962), charcoal drawing Hiver à Gand, signed and dated 1925
by Maison Jules Veilinghuis
Est: €100- €200
€1403 Bids
Mayer-Marton, Georg (1897-1960)
Feb 27, 6:00 PM CET
Mayer-Marton, Georg (1897-1960)
by Lehner Kunstauktionen
Est: €400- €600
€502 Bids
Freude (CA,20C) pastel painting
Mar 02, 11:45 AM EST
Freude (CA,20C) pastel painting
by Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Est: $425- $550
$101 Bid
Willet's Point Topographical Landscape Drawing
Feb 23, 11:00 AM EST
Willet's Point Topographical Landscape Drawing
by Curated Gallery Auctions
Est: $300- $500
$101 Bid
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Norman Anthony (Toni) Onley, Canadian (1928-2004), Bear Creek, pencil drawing, 6 x 8 1/4 in. (15.2 x 21 cm.)
Feb 19, 9:00 AM PST
Norman Anthony (Toni) Onley, Canadian (1928-2004), Bear Creek, pencil drawing, 6 x 8 1/4 in. (15.2 x 21 cm.)
by Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
Est: $150- $250
$1001 Bid
Carl Robert Kummer, Sebi (Niederndorf / Kufstein) in Tirol, Österreich. Wohl frühe 1830''s.
Mar 08, 10:00 AM CET
Carl Robert Kummer, Sebi (Niederndorf / Kufstein) in Tirol, Österreich. Wohl frühe 1830''s.
by Schmidt Kunstauktionen Dresden OHG
Est: €350- €400
€3001 Bid
George Buehr Signed Ink Drawing of Cathedral
Feb 20, 12:00 PM EST
George Buehr Signed Ink Drawing of Cathedral
by Greenwich Auction
Est: $100- $200
$501 Bid
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Handmade Artist Sketches Trio & Pictures with Easel
Feb 23, 10:00 AM EST
Handmade Artist Sketches Trio & Pictures with Easel
by Karen's Dollhouse Shop
Est: $120- $240
$301 Bid
George Perrin Drawing 1918 France
Feb 22, 11:00 AM EST
George Perrin Drawing 1918 France
by Gulfcoast Coin and Jewelry
Est: $95- $165
$251 Bid
Forest Fire Moonlight Pastel Painting
Mar 01, 10:00 AM EST
Forest Fire Moonlight Pastel Painting
by Mebane Antique Auction
Est: $100- $10,000
$501 Bid
Grace Libby Vollmer (1884-1977): Taos Scene
Feb 20, 10:00 AM PST
Grace Libby Vollmer (1884-1977): Taos Scene
by Abell Auction
Est: $100- $200
$501 Bid
Jovy, E. (19th century artist),
Feb 22, 12:00 PM CET
Jovy, E. (19th century artist),
by Auktionshaus Plückbaum
Est: €0- €0
€2000 Bids
ROBERT 'BOB' RICHARDSON (born 1938); pair of pastels, Cotswold scenes, signed, 44 x 60cm, framed and glazed (2).
Feb 22, 11:00 AM GMT
ROBERT 'BOB' RICHARDSON (born 1938); pair of pastels, Cotswold scenes, signed, 44 x 60cm, framed and glazed (2).
by Adam Partridge Auctioneers
Est: £300- £500
£1800 Bids
Piet MONDRIAAN (1872-1944), Landschaft mit Häusern, Weg und Bäumen. Frühe Arbeit mit skizzenhafter A
Feb 22, 10:00 AM CET
Piet MONDRIAAN (1872-1944), Landschaft mit Häusern, Weg und Bäumen. Frühe Arbeit mit skizzenhafter A
by Auktionshaus Mars
Est: €0- €0
€14,0000 Bids
Valerian Loik (1904-1986) “In Front of the Ruined House”
Feb 27, 5:00 PM EET
Valerian Loik (1904-1986) “In Front of the Ruined House”
by Baltic Auction Group
Est: €250- €300
€2000 Bids
VIAGGIO IN SARDEGNA
Feb 20, 2:00 PM CET
VIAGGIO IN SARDEGNA
by DAMS Casa d'Aste
Est: €100- €150
€400 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Landscape Pencil Drawings


Schmidt Kunstauktionen Dresden OHG

Schmidt Kunstauktionen Dresden OHG

Veilinghuis Van Spengen

Veilinghuis Van Spengen

5th Avenue Auctioneers

5th Avenue Auctioneers

Auktionshaus Karrenbauer

Auktionshaus Karrenbauer