He took a break from ‘modern history’ painting in the 1780s, making religious works and even some landscapes, including some unknown gems.
Gainsborough
Compositional techniques usually involving foreground trees which increase the depth of a picture. Explained and illustrated.
With a binder of gum arabic, watercolours came into use in the Renaissance, and have steadily increased in popularity.
He specialised in history paintings of the Tudor and Stuart period, and later painted problem pictures to puzzle the viewer. He died 100 years ago today.
In his later years, he painted some unusual religious works, including an episode from the life of St Thomas of Villaneuva, and the heavenly and earthly trinities.
The first in a series of 4, starts with Dürer’s brilliant paintings, looks at Raphael, Hans Bol, and the beginnings of the ‘English School’.
Among his last paintings are six superb landscapes, painted for his pleasure. What a wonderful end to such an illustrious career.
Is it really futile and impossible to try to paint the wind? Here’s a selection of evidence, drawn from landscapes and marines.
Portraits by Reynolds, Gainsborough, Kauffmann, and others show extensive brushstrokes.
His old oaks were saplings during the Middle Ages, and he was a great influence on Gainsborough, Constable, and others.
