Every art collector has a favorite genre but landscapes is one such kind which is liked by all art enthusiasts, whether it’s green open fields, vast coastal views, serene valleys, wild forests or a simple foliage of a garden. Here are few reasons to why it’s the most loved art theme.
Landscape by J. Constable
In today’s time, being surrounded by the beauty of nature in any form is what generally people would call a perfect get-away from their hectic city life. Landscape paintings manage to capture the scenic beauty of these experiences, making sceneries a popular theme among city populace. Fine examples of these are the landscapes made by the impressionist artists.
Landhaus in Rueil By Edouard Manet
The Water Garden by Childe Hassam
Field with flowers near Arles by Vincent van Gogh
Landscape as a subject is extremely flexible and versatile, the composition can be stylized in many ways- abstract, realism, impressionism or cubism. Cezanne, Dali, Marc Franz, Rousseau are few artist’s who painted landscapes, each following a radically unique style (artworks shown below).
Landscape and a Seascape by Henri Rousseau and Dali
At the Water’s Edge by Cezanne
Deer in a Monastery Garden by Marc Franz
The Home of the Heron by George Inness
Artists like Constable and Turner on the other hand followed realism. Constables masterpiece’s ‘Wivenhoe Park’ (top-most image of this post) and ‘An Old Bridge at Hendon’ (Shown below) are classic examples of landscapes made during the romanticism era. Fresh colors, rural subjects, countryside views, twilight scenes and slush greenery in harmony with a brilliant blue sky were some of the elements of romanticism.
An Old Bridge at Hendon by Constable
Landscape paintings are also favored by the interior designers because it’s a genre that goes well with all sorts of interiors- traditional interiors for home, contemporary corporate spaces or theme based décor. Nature showcased in any form or style, adds a soothing effect to a space, its welcoming, attractive and the color palette is mostly wide enough to harmonize with the other elements in the interior.
Image source- howtodecorate.com and houseofturquoise.com
Image source- theseasidestyle.com and tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com
For a small room with poor lighting or a windowless space, a landscape painting makes a lot of difference, it creates a feeling of wider space. Adding landscapes and sceneries are one of the many tricks used by professional interior designers for adding an illusion of increased space in small apartments and flats.
Image source- architecturaldigest.com
In Feng Shui, landscape paintings are a popular element used to energizing the atmosphere. Landscapes with flowing water symbolize abundance in cash inflow or career advancement. Scenic greenery and cultivated fields makes a painting best suited for well being and liveliness. Trees, budding flowers and mountains suggest growth and support. Scenic paintings are one of the easiest and most flexible elements used by Feng Shi experts to modify energies and attract positive vibrations.
Morning Sunlight Effect by Camille Pissarro
Finally, love for scenic landscapes is an inherent nature of mankind because we evolved in it. We have had an age-old connection and a profound relationship with nature, the impact of a scenic painting is bound to be of joy and captivity.
Undergrowth with Two Figures by Vincent van Gogh