Landscape Painting 2020 - Part Two
As we venture further into the twenty first century
‘Landscape Painting’ has very much come back into its own
again. Perhaps the global warming discussion has breathed
new life into artists creative thinking about the environment?
Maybe the plethora of commercial Galleries realised that
landscape paintings actually sell quick? Maybe the many
Nation owned collections of past masters with cross cultural
exchanges between National Galleries have had something
to do with the resurgence of paintings being seen again as
an Art Form?
If we can indeed view painting today - as an art form - then
subject matter is not essentially the criteria for the image
created. What is clear is the way in which it is painted.
Here we can look at any number of artists who work in total
freedom without wishing to emulate anyone - and should
they do so it is purely by chance, not design or plagerism.
Amanda Oliphant
What is clear is that the number of artists posting ‘landscape
paintings’ on social media that are both developments and
experiments in landscape painting has been seen over the
last five years has been amazing. Plein-air painting once
again, has exploded in the last year or three (exactly as it did
when the oil paint was first put into Tubes (in 1841).
Artists have developed ‘instructional’ courses for people who
enjoy painting holidays. Artists have made videos on ‘how to’
to huge audiences on You Tube and Vimeo.
Whereas landscape is the most popular genre of art
making, one that people enjoy, many discover something
extraordinary, that is, not only is creating Art enjoyable, but
the very act actually improves their health in mind and body
and consequently their lives.
“ ...At this a time when we have been locked up in our homes
due to the Pandemic of Covid 19 - It will be a blessed relief
to walk once again travel to various parts of the country or
indeed, the world. It may be, for a lucky few, during these
past months, that the natural world was the only place that
they felt truly comfortable. Either in their mind or in reality.
Alone in nature, not competing for space, but enjoying the
sheer beauty of the natural world.
The new contemporary works to come of landscape
paintings will be a reminder of that time for many and
will ensure that the future for artists who enjoy creating
paintings will continue - unabated. This landscape special
issue will feature artists who all create works of Art which are
not only beautiful, but which give off a special feeling that all
humans love and all share...
...that feeling of freedom, of belonging to the earth and
the marvelous peace of mind that nature promotes and
encourages.”
Landscape 2020 parts one and two
writen by Denis Taylor
Artist. Founder and Editor of painters TUBES magazine