Artists as Observers

Roots of Drawing

J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851)

John Ruskin 1818-1900• Championed Turner and later the Pre-Raphaelites• he emphasised the connections between nature, art and

society.• principal role of the artist is "truth to nature“• warning about the moral and spiritual health of society• Response to capitalism, industrialisation, pollution – first

environmentalist?• cultural achievements had been compromised, and its society

corrupted, by the decline of true Christian faith. Instead of revering the divine, Renaissance artists honoured themselves, arrogantly celebrating human sensuousness.

• Loss of faith?

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyPEnj3Gsco ruskin as observer

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiEjqnqvEO4 – why ruskin is important

John Ruskin, Moss and Wild Strawbeny, c.1850 (pencil)

John Ruskin, Capital 36 of the Ducal Palace, Venice (1849–52), graphite and wash on white laid paper

https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/asset-viewer/ophelia/-wGU6cT4JixtPA?projectId=art-project

John Everett Millais, Ophelia, 1851

Ernst Haeckl – 1834 - 1919

Charles Darwin 1809-1882

Michael Landy

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY_t2cwJQnw

• The secret history of drawing ( 4 parts) • Watch them!• Landy starts at 51.15• http://www.tate.org.uk/context-comment/

video/tateshots-michael-landy

Drawing

• Weed,rock,plant• Careful observation,• Pencil• Ink wash and fineliner• Homework – start drawing of a family

member