The weather has been a source of inspiration for artists throughout time, especially when considering landscape paintings. Here the main focus of the piece is often nature such as woodlands, rivers, and the coast. Of course, the weather is a part of the landscape, however it is ever-changing, therefore when painting from life, it’s hard to portray a realistic representation of it – unless painting from a photograph, but this would not have been possible for earlier artists.
Frederick R Lee – River Landscape
So, why was there such a focus on the weather, and more notably, clouds and sunlight? Well, different lighting helped artists to create the illusion of depth and therefore create more realistic and unique paintings – this was certainly popular during the Dutch Golden Age of landscape painting – when skill and technique was one of the most important aspects of creating art.
Painting Light
One of the reasons why many early pre-19th century artists placed such a heavy focus on the weather was, in essence, to show off their painting skills, as of course, in those times the best painters (or the most fashionable) were the ones who received all of the hefty commissions from the wealthy patrons.
However, light and weather was also (and still is) often used to portray moods or emotions. This is more the driving force behind later landscape painters and modern artists, where there seems to be more of a focus on the meaning of art, rather than realism – however, the two certainly go hand in hand to create some magnificent artwork. For example let’s take a look at the work of modern artist, Terry Watts.
Terry Watts – Modern Landscape Paintings
Terry Watts – Wire Across the Field (West Lulworth, Dorset, nr Dorset)
Like the majority of Watt’s paintings, this painting; ‘Wire Across the Field (West Lulworth, Dorset, nr Dorset)’ depicts the British countryside in a very realistic style, however with a huge focus on the sky. This composition differs somewhat from the landscape paintings of old, where there was more of an equal split between each element; the sky, the landscape and other features such as trees, rocks, people etc. (the rule of thirds).
This image is very interesting both in its composition and content. Because of the contrast between the bright blue fresh sky in the distance and the foreboding grey clouds; this painting maintains a feeling of hope for the viewer, who feels as though they are in this lonely, isolated environment. The subtle hint of a village or farmhouse in the distance suggests that as the viewer you are on a journey through the countryside.
Terry Watts – Driving in the Rain (M11 in Cambridgeshire)
Again the composition of the above painting is certainly interesting; the angle which Watts has painted from suggests that as the viewer you are in the front seat of another car on this isolated road. The right hand side of the painting is much darker, as you can see the rain falling in the distance; the fuzziness of the brake lights of the other car makes it seem as though it is raining overhead, adding to this quite dramatic theme.
This is certainly a painting full of experience and varying themes of man and nature. You are completely immersed in the dramatic and almost tense mood of the painting, which is undoubtedly created by the weather, together with the unusual composition. One of the most impressive aspects of Watt’s landscape paintings is the ability to create such strong themes and connotation, with simplistic subject matter.
‘Pathetic Fallacy’ in the Arts
In literature weather is used to portray different feelings and emotions, or create a certain mood –this is referred to as ‘pathetic fallacy’. This same notion is often used by artists; gloomy skies will portray a gloomier, darker mood, whereas fresh summer days appear more cheerful and joyful. Of course, some works of art are much more complex than that.
Weather and light is certainly an inspiring factor when it comes to all forms of creative art; the famous playwright, William Shakespeare, is especially well-known for using the weather to construe certain themes and moods – a notion that continues throughout modern day films (battles often take place in the rain and at night) literature, and modern art. Whether the weather is used as an extended metaphor or even as a showcase of skill this part of natural life will continue to inspire artists working in a variety of mediums.
