We, Brits, are renowned for our gardens and we take pride in showing them to the world.
From the Roman times when the first gardens were planted to the Victorian times when public gardens started to emerge, today, we can’t imagine our homes without their spot of greenery, be that a large garden, a small patio with roses or just a couple of pots in the balcony.
No wonder why for many artists, their main source of inspiration is the garden, either their own or public ones where you can always see an artist at work sketching.
Many artists enjoy gardening as they claim to be as therapeutic as painting. Looking after their gardens goes hand in hand with the act of creation as they prepare the picture they want to capture in their artwork. “My garden is my most masterpiece”, said Claude Monet and many artists followed his example all over the world.
Painted in oil or acrylics, using bold colours and washes, created with strong brushstrokes or layers of glaze that catch the light, garden paintings are popular with both artists and art lovers. A garden painting appeals to the viewers of all ages, genders and tastes through their visual impact on the eyes as well as the relaxing effect on the mind.
A garden painting has the power to transport the viewer into another world, in the middle of nature, the same word that the artist had been when painting, whether physically or just imaginary.
“I do like to spend time within the peacefulness of nature, in a quiet garden full of flowers, rolling hillsides or just a peaceful meadow or lake – watching nature and tuning into the beauty of it all” says CK Wood when talking about her favourite subject to paint. A garden painting is the kind of artwork that we appreciate for both its aesthetic value and the positive state of mind it imposes to the viewer.
