Buildings

Bernado Bellotto, was a 16th-century artist who had an incredible knack for capturing the essence of geometry, perspective, and the play of light in his breathtaking artworks.

Born in Venice in 1721, Bellotto was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by the artistic brilliance of his uncle and teacher, Canaletto. Canaletto was a renowned painter himself, specialising in cityscapes and landscapes. Bellotto closely studied his uncle's techniques and soon developed his own unique style, blending it with the invaluable lessons he learned from Canaletto.

One of the most striking aspects of Bellotto's artwork is his extraordinary use of geometry and perspective. He meticulously planned his compositions, ensuring that every building, bridge, or object was perfectly aligned and proportionate. 

This attention to detail gave his paintings a sense of realism that was truly remarkable. For example, take a look at his famous work, "The Fortress of Königstein." The way he precisely captured the architectural details and the symmetrical layout of the fortress is extremely impressive!

Bellotto's play of light over surfaces is another element that sets him apart from his contemporaries. He had a keen eye for capturing the way sunlight danced on buildings and water, creating a sense of depth and texture in his paintings. 

Just check out his masterpiece, "View of Warsaw from Praga," and you'll see how he skilfully portrayed the sunlight filtering through the clouds, casting a warm glow on the city below.

Another intriguing aspect of Bellotto's art is the stillness he portrays. Unlike many other artists of his time who depicted bustling city scenes, Bellotto often chose to focus on quiet, serene moments. He would paint empty squares, calm canals, or peaceful landscapes. Take a look at his painting, "The Piazza della Signoria in Florence," and you'll notice the absence of people, emphasising the tranquility of the scene.

During his working life, Bellotto was highly regarded by nobles and royalty across Europe. They sought after his paintings as he beautifully captured their magnificent cities. His attention to detail and realistic portrayal of urban landscapes made him a sought-after artist of his time.

But why is Bellotto still seen as important and influential today? Well, his artworks serve as a valuable historical record, offering us a glimpse into the past. They provide insights into the architecture, culture, and daily life of cities during the 16th century. Moreover, his techniques and artistic choices continue to inspire contemporary artists, reminding them of the significance of geometry, perspective, and the interplay of light.

Links to other pages

• See this page on the recent exhibition of works by Bernardo Bellotto around the fortress of Konigstein 

George Shaw, an English artist, may not be a household name like Picasso or Van Gogh, but his unique style and thought-provoking paintings have captured the attention of art enthusiasts around the world. 

Let's take a look into the fascinating world of George Shaw and explore his notable techniques and contributions to the art scene.

One striking feature of Shaw's artwork is the absence of people. You won't find bustling crowds or lively figures in his paintings. 

Instead, he focuses on spaces and architecture to create a sense of place. 

Imagine walking alone through a quiet street, the buildings towering above you, and the stillness enveloping the atmosphere. That's the feeling Shaw captures in his art.

To achieve this sense of place, Shaw masterfully utilises geometry, perspective, and the play of light over surfaces. 

Let's break it down. Geometry refers to the shapes and forms within his paintings. Take a look at "The Path Behind the Shops," where he skilfully renders the angles and lines of the buildings, creating a sense of order and structure. 

Perspective, on the other hand, allows Shaw to create depth and dimension in his works. In "The Corner Shop," notice how the road narrows as it recedes into the distance, giving the painting a realistic and immersive quality.

The play of light over surfaces adds another layer of intrigue to Shaw's art. In "The Studio," he expertly captures the way light falls on the walls and floor, casting shadows and creating a sense of texture. 

This attention to detail brings his paintings to life, making us feel like we could step right into the scene.

But it's not just Shaw's technical skills that make his work significant. His use of stillness is also worth mentioning. 

In a world that often feels chaotic and fast-paced, Shaw's paintings provide a moment of tranquility and contemplation. 

They invite us to pause, observe, and reflect on the beauty of the everyday.

During his career, Shaw went through different phases and styles of development. In his early works, he focused on the post-war housing estate where he grew up, capturing its unique atmosphere and nostalgia. 

Later on, he explored the Warwickshire landscape, finding inspiration in its natural beauty. These shifts in subject matter and style demonstrate Shaw's versatility as an artist.

At the time of his working life, Shaw was considered important for his ability to capture the essence of working-class neighbourhoods and everyday life. 

His paintings resonated with many people, reminding them of their own experiences and the places they called home. 

Today, Shaw's work continues to be seen as interesting and influential because of his ability to evoke emotions and create a connection between the viewer and the painting.

In conclusion, George Shaw may not paint people, but his absence of figures speaks volumes. 

Through his use of spaces, architecture, geometry, perspective, light, and stillness, he creates a sense of place that captivates viewers. 

His ability to capture the beauty in the ordinary and evoke nostalgia makes him an artist worth exploring. 

So next time you come across one of Shaw's paintings, take a moment to appreciate the stories they tell and the emotions they evoke.