Above: Artists Joanne Short and John Dyer painting the landscape 'en plein air' in Provence, France.
In this blog post, we will take a look at the work of three landscape painters, John Dyer, Joanne Short and Ted Dyer, who have all captured the beauty of the landscape in their paintings. Each artist has a unique style, but they all share a love for capturing the essence of Cornwall in their work. We will also discuss the inspiration behind these beautiful works of art.
Both the UK and France are a wonder of the natural world and a landscape painter's dream, and both have played a big part in these three artists paintings. With its rugged coastline, sheltered coves and stunning gardens, Cornwall provides plenty of inspiration for artists, as does France, with its changing light and colourful landscape.
During their painting lives John, Joanne and Ted have all painted in many places around the world and have been influenced by various famous painters and talented artists, their various styles and various techniques.
Painting the natural scenery is what all three artists enjoy most, and they have all painted 'en plein air' regularly in their painting careers.
Above: Photograph of artist John Dyer painting in Brittany in 1998
Above: photograph of artist Joanne Short painting in Provence, 1999
Landscape painting
The landscape genre of painting is the depiction of natural scenery and nature. By the 19th century, this kind of painting was common. It often romanticized the natural beauty and became the primary theme in paintings as artists strove to express what they saw all around them. At the time original paintings of landscapes were probably the first (and only) image many people had ever seen of other foreign countries.
Landscape painting in the United Kingdom has a long and rich history, with works dating back to the early Medieval period. In the early days of landscape painting, works were focused on religious scenes or preferred history paintings. It wasn't until the 16th century that artists began to focus on depicting British landscapes for their own sake. In the 17th century, landscape painting became increasingly popular, with artists such as John Constable and J.M.W. Turner producing some of the most iconic images of the British countryside.
Today, landscape painting remains a popular genre, with many contemporary artists finding new ways to capture the beauty of the UK's natural scenery.
What are the three types of landscape paintings?
There are three main types of landscape paintings: seascapes, cityscapes, and landscapes.
Seascapes
Seascapes are paintings that feature the sea as the primary subject. These paintings can include features such as beaches, cliffs, waves, and boats. Many of the works by all three of our artists are seascapes of the Cornish coastline.
Ted Dyer's painting 'Warmth of the Day, Hayle', available as an open edition print, is a perfect example of a seascape.
Ted Dyer Fine Art Print. Open Edition Cornish Art Print. 'Warmth of the Day, Hayle'
In this stunning print, two sailing boats leave the Hayle estuary with Godrevy Lighthouse and Gwithian beach in the background. The dinghy sails are reflected perfectly in the pristine blue sea. The bright colours and lovely arrangement are certain to brighten up any space in your home.
This image of Holywell Bay by John Dyer is another example of a stunning seascape.
Limited Edition Print by Cornish Artist John Dyer. Sea Holly and Skylarks, Holywell Bay, Cornwall
John Dyer grew up in Holywell Bay and has a deep knowledge of the area. This stunning Cornish landscape print, 'Skylarks and Sea Holly, Holywell Bay' captures much of what the artist enjoys. The vast Cornish beach, with its blue sky and Gull Rocks teeming with sailing craft. Sea Holly grows among the dunes, and Skylarks soar into the summer air. You may almost hear the surf as it pounds onto damp sand. It perfectly depicts Cornwall.
Signed Limited Edition Print by Cornish Artist Joanne Short. 'Rugged Cornwall, Botallack'
This limited print 'Rugged Cornwall, Botallack' is another fantastic example of a seascape, this time by Joanne Short. The coastline of Botallack is renowned for its dramatic seascapes. The rocky cliffs are home to the historic tin mines, and the waves crash below. In the foreground, sea pinks and grasses add a touch of colour. This rugged landscape is truly unique and mesmerizing.
Cityscapes
Cityscapes are urban landscape paintings that feature settings, such as cities and towns. These paintings often include buildings, streets, and people.
Joanne has painted a series of cityscapes of both London and Paris, with vintage style posters and limited edition prints available.
Vintage Style Travel Art Poster Print by Joanne Short of London Landmarks Montage
Joanne's beautiful vintage design art poster of London features twelve magnificent painted images of the city This archival wall art poster print depicts Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, The British Museum, St Paul's Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, The London Eye, The Royal Albert Hall, St James's Park and Horse Guards Parade, and Covent Garden.
Limited Edition Art Print of Monaco by Artist John Dyer. 'Casino Cuddle, Monte-Carlo'
This magnificent John Dyer limited edition print captures the breathtaking architecture of the casino in Monte-Carlo, with Monaco flags fluttering in the warm summer wind. The Hotel de Paris is also visible in this painting, and the view between these two famous edifices provides a glimpse of the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea. Sub-tropical palms and plants abound, bringing a lot of movement and enjoyment to the piece.
Landscapes
Landscapes are paintings that feature natural beauty in scenery, such as gardens, mountains, forests, and rivers. These paintings can include features such as trees, flowers, and plants and can include human and animal figures. Many of John Dyer's paintingsare a typical example of this, especially his series of paintings of Provence.
Limited Edition French Print by John Dyer. Moonlit Lavender Pickers, Ménerbes, Provence
Limited Edition French Print by Joanne Short. View through the Sunflowers, Bonnieux, Provence
Joanne climbed up to the hilltop village of Bonnieux in Provence to capture this image. Her vantage point through the sunflowers provides a feeling of distance as we look beyond the lovely Provençal hamlet to the lavender, grapes, and sunflowers stretching out behind. We're sure this lovely print of Provence will brighten up your home with its southern France sunshine.
Impressionist landscape painting
Impressionist paintings are characterized by visible brush strokes. The paint is often applied quickly to the canvas. This style of painting was developed in the late 1800s by a group of artists who were interested in capturing the momentary effects of light and colour. They introduced the idea of artists working outdoors 'en plein air' and mixing their paint in situ. At the time this was a completely new way of working.
Above: Claude Monet historic photograph of the artist painting in his garden at Giverny
Above: Photograph of artist Ted Dyer painting en plein air in Provence, France
John Dyer, when talking about painting on location says -
"The aim of painting a landscape 'en plein air' isn't to achieve photo-realism or a perfect replica, but rather the artist's vision and composition of a location. When painting outside, there can be a lot of pressure to capture colours and forms before the light or weather transforms the landscape's colour palette. At the same time, there is an element of timelessness which doesn't necessarily come across in the same way when painting in the studio in a more considered way."
One of the most famous impressionist landscape painters is Claude Monet. His paintings are characterized by their soft colours and blurry shapes.
'The Artist's Garden at Vétheuil' by Claude Monet. Open Edition Fine Art Print
French artists such as Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Berthe Morisot worked outdoors - en plein air - and recorded the effects of light and weather in paint. Their sketchy application of paint, visible brushwork and inventive use of colour were groundbreaking. It had a lasting impact on generations of future landscape artists.
During the early 18th century, the French Academy rejected these paintings because they felt that depictions of nature were lacking in invention. Landscape artists such as Claude Lorrain and Nicolas Poussin were praised instead; it was thought that the impressionist painters did not attempt to depict a genuine landscape but rather to arrange nature compositionally to elicit an emotional response from the viewer. Impressionism was all a step away from the french landscape tradition and caused a bit of a stir.
Paul Cézanne is another famous impressionist painter who specialised in landscape art. He is said to have painted Mont Sainte-Victoire over 60 times from different angles and in different light conditions.
'Mont Sainte-Victoire and the Viaduct of the Arc River Valley' by Paul Cézanne. Open Edition Fine Art Print.
Post-impressionism
Tormented landscape artist Vincent Van Gogh is one of the world's most famous post-impressionist artists. Inspired by the impressionists himself, Van Gogh worked in thick impasto oil paint on canvas. His famous painting Starry Night (1889) is without a doubt the best known of his famous landscape paintings. He worked on many interiors and still life paintings, his series of sunflower paintings being some of the most famous.
'Starry Night' by Vincent Van Gogh. Open Edition Fine Art Print
In conclusion, landscape paintings are a beautiful way to capture the world around us. Whether it's the work of John Dyer, Joanne Short, or Ted Dyer, these paintings are sure to bring enjoyment and beauty into your home. Landscape paintings can be used to add a touch of class to any room, and make great gifts for friends and family alike. So why not take a look at some landscape paintings today? You might just find your new favourite piece of art.
Do you have a favourite landscape painting in our collection? Let us know on social media! And don't forget to share this blog post with your friends if you enjoyed it.
