Independent development of landscape as a genre in Britain, from Gainsborough to John Constable, and radical departure from tradition.
Gainsborough
Gainsborough, Richard Wilson, Alexander Cozens, Thomas Jones, George Morland – establishing landscape painting in the 18th century.
Using repeated forms, usually regularly spaced, is a well-known technique for increasing depth, adding optical effects, and more.
Primary task to milk cows by hand, also make possible the eradication of smallpox. Paintings by Rubens, Potter, Vermeer, Gainsborough and others.
He took a break from ‘modern history’ painting in the 1780s, making religious works and even some landscapes, including some unknown gems.
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’.
The Eclectic Light Company 