Landscape and Nature

This month’s newsletter is an “appeteaser” of powerhouse, landscape artists.

Since spring is the season for birth, new beginnings, and rejuvenation, it seems fitting that we focus on landscapes.

The untouched majesty of mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes leaves us in awe of its beauty. There's something about a well painted landscape that draws us in, quiets our minds, and brings us to a peaceful place.

Let's explore the genre of landscapes, from the romantic, idealistic images of the classical period, to the pastoral beauty of western imagery, to contemporary painters focusing on the sublime, divine power of nature. 

The Englishmen – John Constable and JMW Turner

“The Hay Wain” by John Constable, 1821

John Constable (1776-1837) is considered to be one of the greatest artists of the landscape genre from England. His compositions reflect unity between people and their topography. Figures are often shown using the river for a mill, working with wooden tools, and/or with animals like horses.

“Lifeboat and Manby Apparatus Going off to a Stranded Vessel
Making the Signal (Blue Lights) of Distress” by JMW Turner, 1831

Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851). Turner’s paintings remind us of nature’s magnificence, God’s wrath, and the fallacies of hope. His work often translated literary sources to seascape paintings.

Robert Seldon Duncanson – The Pastoral Landscape

“Landscape with Rainbow” by Robert Duncanson, 1859

Robert Seldon Duncanson (1821-1872) was held in high regard as an artist of considerable note during his lifetime, reaching levels of achievement that were statistically impossible for a biracial man. This remarkably talented, self-taught artist was instrumental in showcasing the beauty and majesty of nature to western Europe. During his lifetime, Duncanson was referred to as the best landscape painter in the American West (theartstory.org).

Claude Monet – Experiencing light and color

“The Artist’s Garden in Giverny” by Claude Monet, 1900

Claude Monet (1840-1926) is one of the founding fathers of the impressionist movement. His landscapes focus on the energy, mood, light, color, and shadows of nature. Monet and his impressionist peers (Renoir, Pissarro, Sisley, Cezanne, Degas, Berthe, and Morisot) are considered the basis for modern and contemporary art. 

Ansel Adams – Sublime Landscapes

“Monument Valley, Utah” by Ansel Adams, 1958

Ansel Adams (1902-1984) is one of the most well know art photographers in the world. Adams’ landscape photos reflect the sublime essence of nature as a spiritual place. His body of work includes countless photos from the National Parks.

Richard Mayhew – Energy, air, and awe

“Departure” by Richard Mayhew, 2006

Happy 100th Birthday Richard Mayhew!

Born in April of 1924, Richard Mayhew creates brightly colored, sometimes abstract landscapes that draw the viewer into his portraits, daring them to see patterns, forms, and the magnificence of nature. He adroitly masters the concept of color, creating a unique evolution of American landscape painting. As a person of African and Native American descent, Mayhew’s art is infused with his cultural heritage. 

Monet’s garden in Giverny, France, 2023

Each of the artists selected for this newsletter have created works I have seen in person.

I had the opportunity to visit the Victoria and Albert museum in 2023 where I saw works by both Constable and Turner. I was also able to spend a day at Claude Monet’s house, studio, and gardens – it was spectacular.

The study of humanities includes the subjects of culture, philosophy, history, literature, and the fine arts. The more we research visual arts, the more convinced we are that exposure and study of the humanities are imperative parts of our educational system. Certainly, study of these subjects helps art lovers understand compositions in a more comprehensive manner.

I hope you enjoyed this selection. Please send a message to jhayes@havarts.org and let me know what you think.

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