Landscape Art Features the Environment in Its Finest Form

Added Tips

You have probably seen many of natural scenery representations done on canvas or print. Such depictions typically display forests, countryside, mountains, and valleys. Sometimes, the masterpieces consist of a wide view as its main subject with minor elements as secondary theme. On the other hand, the beautiful surroundings merely serve as a background for still figures. Alternatively, several artworks include the sky as part of the panorama, wherein the weather is often a small component.

As you look with amazement and appreciation in these creations, do you ever wonder where they come from or what their influences are? The entire concept springs from two primary traditions – Chinese artistry and Western painting, which both date back thousands of years ago.

Are you familiar with the exact term for this artistic ingenuity? The masters call it landscape art, a word taken from the Dutch “landschap”, which means an image or a plot of cultivated land. It enters the English language in the early 17th century mainly for creative purposes until 1725, when people use it in reference to real vistas. Now, you may notice pictures that feature actual places with buildings and other elements. The correct name for it is “topographical view”, which is entirely different from the former in a creative sense.

The earliest forms of illustrations throughout the world only show a little of the aspects above, except for ground lines and indications of trees and mountains. On the other hand, the Minoan Greece frescoes, which go back around 1500 BCE, are the first pure panoramic depictions without human figures. In the case of Ancient Egypt artworks, hunting scenes provide a strong representation of the environment, especially those drawings that show the Nile Delta and its bed of reeds. The only difference is that there is more emphasis on human or plant forms instead of the natural settings. As for Chinese ink paintings of pure landscape or “shan shui” (mountain-water), the portraits show sophisticated and classic backgrounds. The Roman masterpieces are similar to the latter in a sense that it represents imaginary and grand surroundings. But, while most of the painters from China draw waterfalls gushing from mountains, many of the artists in Rome include rivers, lakes, and seas.

So, who are some of the most famous masters known for this art form?

Vincent van Gogh – he is notable for the “Starry Night”, which features Saint-Remy village under the night sky.
Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot – one of his renowned works is the “Ville d’Avray”, which is a commune in Paris, France.
Zhang Zeduan – his masterpieces include the “Along the River during Qingming Festival”, which presents large viewing stones, festive boats, and the Emperor’s yacht.

It is nice to immerse yourself in the works of these painters. But if you want to know how it feels like to stand in front of vast and magnificent scenery, visit Cornwall.

Leave a Reply