Thursday, June 30, 2011

The Commission & Constable Country


Wicken Fen at Dusk
24 x 48 Oil/Linen

I delivered the commission yesterday to it's home in Norwich. This is the best photo I have been able to get. Really happy that Catherine loves the painting and it looks really good on her wall!

I have been wending my way down from Scotland, via my Dad's, Norwich and am now in south west London. Whilst I am down here I am going to meet the owners of the Blackheath Gallery where I am joining Deborah Paris for a show in September. Plus catching up with some old friends and my kids down here. Thanks to Barbara, a good friend from my years living in Teddington, for letting me stay.
However, probably the main reason for me being down here is that I am picking Barry up from the airport tomorrow!! We have been apart for five months. I can hardly wait to see him. It has been too long!

The weather was gorgeous yesterday and I had time on my hands, so I thought I would take the opportunity to visit the Flatford mill area. The clouds were typical Constable clouds, so it was a good day to explore.


Boat-building near Flatford Mill
John Constable (1776-1837)
1815
'This portrays the construction of a barge at a dry-dock owned by Constable's father. It is based on a tiny pencil drawing in a sketchbook at the V&A. Constable painted the landscape entirely in the open air. His biographer praised its 'atmospheric truth', such that 'the tremulous vibration of the heated air near the ground seems visible'.'
(Victoria and Albert Museum, London)



The dry dock from a different angle.




The Hay Wain
1821, John Constable
'Constable's painting is based on a site in Suffolk, near Flatford on the River Stour. The hay wain, a type of horse-drawn cart, stands in the water in the foreground. Across the meadow in the distance on the right, is a group of haymakers at work. The cottage shown on the left was rented by a farmer called Willy Lott and stands behind Flatford Mill. Today, the cottage and river path are still much as they were in Constable's time.

Although the painting evokes a Suffolk scene, it was created in the artist's studio in London. Constable first made a number of open-air sketches of parts of the scene. He then made a full-size preparatory sketch in oil to establish the composition.

The painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1821, the year it was painted, but failed to find a buyer. Yet when exhibited in France, with other paintings by Constable, the artist was awarded a Gold Medal by Charles X.'
(National Gallery, London)




I think it's quite amazing how similar the scene is after all these years.

7 comments:

Deborah Paris said...

First, let me say your painting is spectacular! I love it and I am sure your collector does too. Will be interested to hear about your visit to Blackheath (email me!). And say hi to Barry- so glad you two are reunited!

Finally, be still my heart- I am so jealous of your day in Constable Country! I so hope to see it someday.

xxoo Deborah

Lynne E. Windsor said...

Thanks Deborah. I know it sounds pathetic, but the painting really did look better in reality... I hate that I can get a decent photo of my work. Anyway, this one isn't so bad. I will keep you posted re the gallery. I thought you might be a touch jealous about my visit to Flatford Mill! There are long walks around the whole area going to Dedham along side the river. I didn't have time to do that, but thought it would be nice to return with Barry... or you? one day! It think it's best to avoid on weekends in the summer though! So looking forward to tomorrow. xx

Lynne E. Windsor said...

I meant, 'hate that I can't get a decent photo'!!

wolfgang said...

Love the commission, miss you both, and Winnstress!!! The Constable photos are phenomenal. Thanks so much for furthering the education of your adoring fans, among whom I count myself as a biggie.

juliefordoliver.blogspot.com said...

Love your painting - spectacular in mood I can feel the quiet, soft atmosphere of dusk.
Thank you for the trip down memory lane regarding Constable. great stuff!

Regards to Barry and both of you reconnect with great joy.

Lynne E. Windsor said...

Thanks Wolfy..miss you too. Barry has arrived and is sleeping! x

Lynne E. Windsor said...

Thank you Julie. I had never been to Flatford Mill before, so it was very special for me. Hopefully I will reconnect with Barry when he wakes up!