The Outskirts of the Fontainebleau Forest demonstrates some signature strokes and features of Alfred Sisley’s artistic style – his free and effortless manner of painting. His swift and dynamic strokes produce the impression of an ever-changing light and airy environment. There is an abundance of textures in this landscape. In this painting, as well as in many other works, the color of the sky is a certain reference point; the artist endowed it with an “enchantment of the transitory.” He said: “The sky is more than a background. Not only does it create the depth in the painting… it also sets it in motion by its shape, and by its relation to the overall impression produced by the painting…” There are few clouds in the sky and they seem transparent. Rendered with dynamic strokes, they create, together with the flushing colors of autumn leaves, an inimitable lyrical autumn mood.