This is inspired by Thomas Gainsborough's sketches that show his interest in Poussin, Hobbema, Ruisdael, Wijnants and others. Gainsborough primarily used Dutch principles of design (with a touch of Fragonard), to create a unique vision all his own. I find it wonderful that he would compulsively find bits of coal, lichen and even broccoli plants for trees and then add mud/dirt to create invented landscapes as a model to work from. This he would set up on a small wooden table in his studio under candle light.
-Erik
9 comments:
ah beautiful sketch man! very inspired way to start my week
Thanks
Lots of atmosphere! I definitely see the influence of Ruisdael. This is a powerful image.
I love the massing of lights and darks! got a nice rhythm too! this is great!!
Very cool Erik!
Interesting insight on Gainsborough's process. Having his little miniature lit by candlelight would create such an interesting lighting setup, which I could only imagine would leave things perhaps a bit little darker and moodier feeling. Now days we can so easily flood objects with halogens, fluorescents, etc.....in every shape, color, and intensity. I wonder how his body of work might change if he were to have had access to the tools we have?
Hey that's a great tip about how Gainsborough worked! Where did you dig that up?
Hi Eager,
I recently picked up a used book from the 70's on Gainsborough.. wonderful details about his life and time period. I also saw a show on his work down in Southern California at the Huntington museum a few years back. He was almost obsessed with early glass slide/lantern shows, where he would paint nocturnal moonlight landscapes for example on glass and then backlight them... sort of an early form entertainment in the parlor rooms... pre victorian times.
Love the strong composition,limited palette. Great work!
Very classy. I've always had a thing for Gainsborough, too. Nice job.
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