In this video from the Children’s Video Tour, viewers are introduced to the painting “Forest Scene” by Jacob van Ruisdael. This masterpiece from the Gallery’s collection is an impressive example of a Dutch landscape painting, which was painted by the artist in the 17th century. The artist specialized in painting the countryside, carefully observing nature to capture the colors and textures of the earth, trees, and plants. But even though this forest scene looks realistic, it does not depict an actual location in the Dutch countryside. Instead, it was inspired by Ruisdael’s sketches from nature, as well as the work of other artists. On view in the West Building, Gallery 50. http://www.nga.gov/cgi-bin/ploc?object=1219 ----- Find the Children's Video Tour at http://www.nga.gov/education/timetravel/index.shtm