When ever art is mentioned, a lot of people roll their eyes and claim that they don't understand it. Although there is one area that everyone can immediately see and associate with. This is the realm of the famous landscape painters, and their depictions of everyday life in picturesque surroundings.
At one time this subject matter was not very popular. It failed to capture the imagination, or the interest, of the wealthy, who were the main patrons of the art world. They much preferred the grander religious scenes, or those depicting events discussed in mythology, and quite a number were happy to sit and pose while their portraits were painted.
Many art historians claim that it was the landed gentry of Europe who raised the profile of the genre. Many wanted a painting of their family's country estate, which would be displayed in pride of place in the city. Initially these paintings were largely unpopulated, or if it included a figure then it was only for comparison. For some the landscape was secondary to the grand architecture.
As this was a largely unexplored genre the artists produced results largely by trial and error. They had to experiment with color and the interplay between light and shadow. As their results improved so their available markets increased.
At that time the main artists experimenting in this new field were either Dutch or Flemish. As a point of interest the word landscape is even based on the Dutch word of landschap. They soon noticed that smaller paintings attracted a wider market.
Artists moved away from huge religious paintings, into the more moderately sized pieces and found that they could produce more. It might be coincidence, but it could explain why there are a greater number of surviving pieces. Many have recognised that despite this genre starting on the European continent, it was artists in England during the 19th century who really boosted the style.
The development of new materials meant that the artist could venture out into the countryside and study things. Previously they were confined to their sketch books and their studios. Now they could set up and paint whatever it was that they saw before them.
The advent of photography also played a part in the development in this genre. For most they followed the paths of realism, faithfully putting down on canvas whatever was displayed in front of them. Some took the introduction of cameras as the chance to experiment, and so some alternate styles of landscape painting began to occur.
There are always some names which will crop up when this subject matter is talked about. Most commonly, at least one from either Constable, Gainsborough or Turner will be mentioned. Which is hardly surprising as their works are some of the most recognizable within this category.
Thanks largely to these artists the hobby of painting was deemed suitable for young European ladies and gentlemen. When they migrated to the Americas they took this pastime with them. Which gave rise to some of America's most famous landscape painters.
At one time this subject matter was not very popular. It failed to capture the imagination, or the interest, of the wealthy, who were the main patrons of the art world. They much preferred the grander religious scenes, or those depicting events discussed in mythology, and quite a number were happy to sit and pose while their portraits were painted.
Many art historians claim that it was the landed gentry of Europe who raised the profile of the genre. Many wanted a painting of their family's country estate, which would be displayed in pride of place in the city. Initially these paintings were largely unpopulated, or if it included a figure then it was only for comparison. For some the landscape was secondary to the grand architecture.
As this was a largely unexplored genre the artists produced results largely by trial and error. They had to experiment with color and the interplay between light and shadow. As their results improved so their available markets increased.
At that time the main artists experimenting in this new field were either Dutch or Flemish. As a point of interest the word landscape is even based on the Dutch word of landschap. They soon noticed that smaller paintings attracted a wider market.
Artists moved away from huge religious paintings, into the more moderately sized pieces and found that they could produce more. It might be coincidence, but it could explain why there are a greater number of surviving pieces. Many have recognised that despite this genre starting on the European continent, it was artists in England during the 19th century who really boosted the style.
The development of new materials meant that the artist could venture out into the countryside and study things. Previously they were confined to their sketch books and their studios. Now they could set up and paint whatever it was that they saw before them.
The advent of photography also played a part in the development in this genre. For most they followed the paths of realism, faithfully putting down on canvas whatever was displayed in front of them. Some took the introduction of cameras as the chance to experiment, and so some alternate styles of landscape painting began to occur.
There are always some names which will crop up when this subject matter is talked about. Most commonly, at least one from either Constable, Gainsborough or Turner will be mentioned. Which is hardly surprising as their works are some of the most recognizable within this category.
Thanks largely to these artists the hobby of painting was deemed suitable for young European ladies and gentlemen. When they migrated to the Americas they took this pastime with them. Which gave rise to some of America's most famous landscape painters.
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