If you ever start a conversation with art as the topic, all too often people's eyes cloud over. Many claim not to grasp what the artist is trying to convey. However if you start to talk about famous landscape painters it becomes a different matter, as the individual can see and understand what the artist has put on canvas.
The genre had very slow beginnings, and for a while was quite unpopular. The main patrons of the arts were the wealthy, and they preferred their paintings on a much grander scale. The ever popular genres either had a biblical, or mythological, theme running through them, or the individual had commissioned an artist to paint their portrait.
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.
Because this genre was largely uncharted territory, the artist had to find out for themselves what worked and what didn't. The play of light on objects had to be experimented with, as had the new vibrant colors. It all worked out well, as people liked what they saw, and so the market grew.
The main artists in those very early years were Dutch and Flemish. In fact even the word landscape is derived from the Dutch word landschap. Recognising that there was a much wider market these artists produced smaller paintings, which were sold to the general public.
Possibly because paintings were becoming smaller, they were also being produced in greater numbers. Perhaps this is why so many fine examples have withstood the passage of time. Many would say that although the genre might have begun on the European mainland, it was the 19th century English artists who really shaped and moulded it.
Another benefit that the artist of the time had was the development of new materials. So rather than being confined to their studios and garrets the artist could travel out into the countryside. They no longer had to rely on their sketch books, but could actually set up paint outdoors.
Many also cite the new developments in photography as being important. Most artists adhered to the idea of realism, whatever was before them was reproduced on their canvas. Although some chose to see photography as a chance experiment and push boundaries, as a consequence some different depictions of landscapes came to be.
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 to these artists these was a rise in popularity of painting as a pastime for both men and women. When these people left Europe to make new lives for themselves in America, they took their hobby with them. From those pioneers have emerged some of the American continent's famous landscape painters.
The genre had very slow beginnings, and for a while was quite unpopular. The main patrons of the arts were the wealthy, and they preferred their paintings on a much grander scale. The ever popular genres either had a biblical, or mythological, theme running through them, or the individual had commissioned an artist to paint their portrait.
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.
Because this genre was largely uncharted territory, the artist had to find out for themselves what worked and what didn't. The play of light on objects had to be experimented with, as had the new vibrant colors. It all worked out well, as people liked what they saw, and so the market grew.
The main artists in those very early years were Dutch and Flemish. In fact even the word landscape is derived from the Dutch word landschap. Recognising that there was a much wider market these artists produced smaller paintings, which were sold to the general public.
Possibly because paintings were becoming smaller, they were also being produced in greater numbers. Perhaps this is why so many fine examples have withstood the passage of time. Many would say that although the genre might have begun on the European mainland, it was the 19th century English artists who really shaped and moulded it.
Another benefit that the artist of the time had was the development of new materials. So rather than being confined to their studios and garrets the artist could travel out into the countryside. They no longer had to rely on their sketch books, but could actually set up paint outdoors.
Many also cite the new developments in photography as being important. Most artists adhered to the idea of realism, whatever was before them was reproduced on their canvas. Although some chose to see photography as a chance experiment and push boundaries, as a consequence some different depictions of landscapes came to be.
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 to these artists these was a rise in popularity of painting as a pastime for both men and women. When these people left Europe to make new lives for themselves in America, they took their hobby with them. From those pioneers have emerged some of the American continent's famous landscape painters.
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