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Jacob van Ruisdael.

Jacob van Ruisdael: Master of Skies, Clouds, and Atmosphere

Jacob van Ruisdael was a Dutch landscape painter who lived during the 17th century. He is well-known for his breathtaking depictions of skies, clouds, and the play of light and atmosphere in his paintings. In this article, we will explore the key points to understand this artist, his main phases and styles of development, and why he was considered important during his time and still remains influential today.

Ruisdael's paintings are characterised by his mastery of capturing the natural elements of the sky. His skies are often filled with dramatic clouds, which seem to be in constant motion. In his famous painting "View of Haarlem with Bleaching Grounds," Ruisdael skilfully portrays the changing weather conditions by using different shades of grey and white to depict the clouds. This creates a sense of movement and drama in the scene.

One of Ruisdael's main contributions to landscape painting was his attention to the portrayal of light and atmosphere. In his painting "The Windmill at Wijk bij Duurstede," Ruisdael captures the soft, diffused light of a cloudy day. The atmosphere feels heavy and humid, creating a sense of tranquility and contemplation. Ruisdael achieved this effect by using delicate brushstrokes and subtle variations in colour.

Early, Middel and Late phases of Ruisdael's work

Ruisdael's development as an artist can be divided into three main phases. In his early phase, he focused on painting forests and waterfalls, showcasing his ability to capture the raw power of nature. During his middle phase, Ruisdael began to incorporate more atmospheric elements into his paintings, such as clouds and skies. Finally, in his later phase, he mastered the portrayal of light and atmosphere, creating landscapes that evoke a sense of awe and wonder.

During his working life, Ruisdael was considered important for his ability to capture the beauty and majesty of the Dutch landscape. His paintings were highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts of his time. Ruisdael's attention to detail and his ability to evoke emotions through his landscapes set him apart from other painters of his era.

Today, Ruisdael is still seen as an influential and important artist. His innovative techniques in capturing the skies, clouds, and atmosphere have had a lasting impact on landscape painting. Artists continue to study his works to learn from his mastery of light and his ability to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. Ruisdael's paintings also provide us with a window into the natural beauty of the Dutch landscape during the 17th century.

Ruisdael was a major influence on the painting of John Constable. Constable studied the way that Ruisdael painted clouds, lighting and other sky effects.

In conclusion, Jacob van Ruisdael was a master of portraying skies, clouds, and atmosphere in his landscape paintings. His attention to detail and ability to capture the changing weather conditions set him apart as a unique artist. Ruisdael's paintings continue to inspire and captivate audiences today, making him an important figure in the art world.

John Constable

Constable was a true master when it came to capturing the beauty of nature, especially in his skies, clouds, and portrayal of light and atmosphere. So, let's explore what he learned from his predecessor, Jacob van Ruisdael, and how he developed his unique painting techniques.

Constable greatly admired the works of Jacob van Ruisdael, a Dutch landscape painter from the 17th century. He learned from Ruisdael how to infuse his landscapes with a sense of grandeur and drama. One of the most striking elements Constable took from Ruisdael was his ability to depict the ever-changing skies. Just like Ruisdael, Constable understood the importance of capturing the mood and atmosphere of a scene through the portrayal of clouds and light.

Techniques

Now, let's talk technique! Constable had a knack for creating immediacy and spontaneity in his paintings. He often worked wet on wet, which means he applied wet paint onto a wet surface. This allowed him to blend colours seamlessly and create soft, natural transitions. By working in layers, he could build up depth and texture, adding richness to his landscapes. He played with thick and thin layers of paint, giving his works a three-dimensional quality.

But here's where Constable really stood out – his use of different coloured grounds. Instead of starting with a plain white canvas, he would apply a coloured ground, like a warm brown or green, to create a harmonious base. This coloured ground would peek through in certain areas of the painting, adding depth and enhancing the overall atmosphere.

The Hay wain

Let's dive into some examples! In Constable's famous piece, "The Hay Wain," pay attention to the way he captures the different types of clouds. The fluffy white clouds in the sky create a sense of tranquility, while the darker, stormy clouds on the horizon hint at the changing weather. This combination of light and dark adds drama and intensity to the scene.

During his working life, Constable's unique approach to landscape painting was seen as groundbreaking. While other artists at the time focused on idealised and imaginary landscapes, Constable sought to capture the true essence of nature. His dedication to the study of skies and atmosphere made him a trailblazer in the art world.

Today, Constable's works continue to captivate audiences. His ability to evoke emotion through his portrayal of weather and natural elements is still admired. His techniques have influenced countless artists and his paintings remain important examples of the Romantic movement in art.

In 1824, the French dealer Arrowsmith, exhibited The Hay Wain at the Salon (the official annual painting show). The impact of this was immediate and profound. Constable’s painting was much admired and caused Delacroix to repaint the entire background of his painting ‘The Massacre at Chios’ (on the left).

Many other established French artists, including Theodore Gericault, were very impressed by the freedom and application of paint in Constable’s work.

Constable was also an influence on Gustav Millet, Daubigny and Diaz who worked as the Barbizon school at Fontainbleu near Paris.

These artists championed the idea of working outside - en plein air - like Constable and were a precursor to teh Impressionists.

Although best known for his powerful portraits, the British painter Lucian Freud, was a huge fan of Constable’s work.

At the age of seventeen Freud went to study at the East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing in the heart of ‘Constable country’. He at first thought that Constable’s work was both ‘ridiculous’ and ‘soppy’. But he saw and liked Constable’s Study for the Trunk of an Elm Tree c.1821 and tried to paint a copy of the work – though gave up because it was too difficult. (Years later he produced the etching Elm Tree after Constable in 2003).

By contrast, to his reception in France, in Britain, Constable only achieved fame towards the end of his life, and success in his final years. During his career, Constable was very much overshadowed by the work and approach of Turner who was greatly valued by Victorian England. It is only in the Twentieth century that Constable received the unalloyed attention and appreciation that his work merits.

Artists influenced by Constable in Britain include Leon Kossoff, George Shaw, John Virtue, David Hockney, Peter Kennard, Mark Edwards and Dennis Creffield,

Joseph Turner

Turner's fascination with the natural world is evident in his extensive collection of sketches and sketchbooks. These preliminary works allowed him to study and understand the ever-changing nature of the sky and its elements. Through these sketches, he developed a deep understanding of the movement and colours of clouds, the effects of light, and the atmosphere surrounding them.

Joseph Turner is a renowned British artist. He was and is renowned for his skill at capturing the beauty and essence of skies, clouds, and the play of light and atmosphere in his paintings.

His unique style and keen observational skills have made him a significant figure in the art world, both during his working life and even today.

Turner's work as a whole shows a long journey that becomes increasingly rich, coloured and lost in lighting effects as he matures from his early detailed work.

In Venice

One of Turner's most notable periods was his time in Venice, where he produced a series of stunning works. In his paintings of the city, he masterfully captured the interplay between the golden light of the setting sun and the shimmering reflections on the water.

His attention to detail and ability to create a sense of atmosphere transported viewers to the enchanting canals and bridges of Venice.

Larger sublime works

Turner's larger paintings, often referred to as his "sublime" works, are a testament to his skill in depicting the grandeur and power of nature. These monumental pieces showcase his ability to create dramatic compositions with sweeping landscapes, towering clouds, and dazzling light. His use of bold brushstrokes and vibrant colours evokes a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world.

Influential from his day until now

During his lifetime, Turner's works were considered groundbreaking and revolutionary. He challenged traditional artistic conventions and pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in the art world. His emphasis on capturing the ephemeral qualities of light and atmosphere set him apart from his contemporaries and paved the way for future generations of artists.

Today, Turner's works continue to captivate and inspire art enthusiasts around the world. His ability to convey the sublime beauty of nature through his paintings resonates with viewers of all ages.

His innovative techniques and unique style have had a lasting impact on the art world, influencing generations of artists who strive to capture the fleeting moments of light and atmosphere in their own work.

Turner’s focus on achieving visual sensations in the direct manipulation of paint that mimic the raw and undiluted effects in nature have suggested to many that he was a forerunner of lots of different movements and moments in art including Impressionism and Abstract Expressionism. He has also directly influenced artists as diverse as John Virtue and Anselm Kiefer.

In conclusion, Joseph Turner's mastery of skies, clouds, and the portrayal of light and atmosphere is a testament to his artistic genius. His sketches, sketchbooks, works in Venice, and larger paintings all contribute to his diverse and influential body of work.

His importance during his working life and his enduring relevance today lie in his ability to capture the essence of nature and evoke emotion through his direct application and manipulation of materials to join and fuse a sensation of nature into art.

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Turner's Thames

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