The Sky's The Limit
The sky being as beautiful and spontaneous as it is, can have an impact on one's life. From navigating one's night using the night sky stars to using the beautiful colors from the morning or evening sky to uplift or begin one's day, the sky can be impactful and effect emotions. Whether it's through watercolor, acrylic or oil painting these pieces share the beauty and influence the morning, the evening, and the night sky all have.
The purpose of these handpicked pieces is for the viewers to understand the experiences we get and feel from the different types of beauty and sky's we see. I hope that viewers leave with a sense of appreciation for not only these artworks and artists brilliant way of capturing such beauty but again how beauty such as what's above you can play a part in how you go about your day.
Room I: The Morning
The idea behind this room is to emphasize the beauty we see once we open our eyes. From the glorious rising sun that captures our attention to the colors that paint the sky. The morning sky being the first 'phase' of our day can really affect how we go about it. These pieces feature those details and colors that make what we see at the start of our day so beautiful.
Ivan Aivazovsky, "Sunrise in Feodosia," 1855
FORM, CONTENT - Aivazovsky use of oil and use of light and color captures the delicate hues of the sunrise and the reflective quality of the water. The blending of colors from yellow to green and the hint of pink creates and adds to that sense of awe which is what you may get if this sunrise was directly infront of you. The style of this art piece is seen as Romanticism and is known for its emphasis on emotion and nature which fits into this museum. The subject matter of this painting depicts a peaceful sunrise over the city with calm waters and a soft glow of the morning sun.
Frederic Edwin Church, "Schoodic Peninsula from Mount Desert at Sunrise," 1855
FORM - Having the pink light from the clouds reflect on your face can give a feeling of beauty. This paintings use of light and shadow is notable, capturing the early morning light and the natural beauty of not only the sky but the landscape as well. The reddish clouds stretching across the sky, the calm ocean, and the natural landscape give that sense of warmth from the light of dawn.
Thomas Cole, "Mountain Sunrise," 1826
CONTENT - This painting depicts a sunrise over a mountainous landscape. With mountains and trees as to what seems to be the main focus of this painting the warm colors of pink and yellow from the sun capture the eye of those who view it. The sense of the sunrise being so beautiful it does not need to take over the whole piece to be the focus it adds to the beauty and gives a feeling of importance.
Charles-Francois Daubigny, "Sunrise, banks of the Oise," 1865
FORM - Quietness is what the morning is made of. Quietness is what this painting feels like. The subtle use of light and color capturing the atmospheric effects of the sunrise over the river creates that quietness and peacefulness. The brushwork is delicate and creates a serene and naturalistic scene.
Room II: The Evening
This room is intended to highlight the evening sky. In other words, sunset. Being the time when the most beautiful skies come around, the mood of the day can shift. Though the day may seem tiring or never ending, the bright colors that blend together can create an uplifting change.
Camille Pissarro, "The Effect of Snow, Sunset, Eragny," 1895
FORM - Although snowy days can have the feeling of isolation this piece creates that feeling of warmth through the cold. The painting features a snowy landscape at sunset. The use of color with warm hues of yellow and orange in the sky contrasting the cool shadows of the snow balance together. The artist also uses loose brushwork that emphasizes the light and atmosphere of the piece.
Ivan Aivazovsky, "Sunset in Little Russia," 1863
CONTENT - The subject matter of the painting creates a serene sunset in the region known as Little Russia. It includes a peaceful countryside with cottages and fields that capture the quiet beauty of this life. The warm tone creates that beauty of the evening sky that brings warmth.
Ivan Aivazovsky, "Sunset. A lone sailboat," 1853
FORM - When looking at this artwork it is almost impossible to not look away from the use of colors in the sky. The bright pinks corollate with the dark greens and blues giving it that play of light and shadow. This painting features a lone sailboat on a calm sea at sunset with the sky filled with warm tones of color creating a striking contrast with the cool tones of the water.
Thomas Cole, "Peace at Sunset (Evening in the White Mountains)," date unknown
FORM - This piece conveys a serene beauty of a sunset that makes it a timeless piece that captivates the eyes as it would in real life as well. The painting features a sunset over mountains covered in clouds that create that 'white' appearance. The serene landscape bathed in warm, golden light shows the use of light that creates a majestic atmosphere.
Room III: The Night
This room is intended to focus on the change of not only mood but colors the night brings. The night sky can not only be beautiful but bring a sense of relaxation from what the day held. It can even bring our true selves out. The night being so dark can create different emotions we don't obtain until the sunsets.
Ivan Aivazovsky, "Gondolier at Sea by Night," 1843
CONTENT - The night can be lonely, romantic, or even peaceful depending on how you spend it. This piece does give that sense of peace in the night. The subject matter includes a lone gondolier at sea during the night and sets a mood of not only peace but solitude that enhances the serene water and glow of the moon. The attention to detail is shown in the reflections of the water and create that sense of realism as well.
Ivan Aivazovsky, "Darial Gorge. Moon Night," 1868
FORM - Adding to the romantic feel the night gives this piece includes the dramatic lighting and effects of that atmosphere. The paintings use of dark shadows in a variety of ways adds to the mysterious emotion of the night. The rugged landscape and soft glow of the moon creates a sense of depth and mystery.
Edvard Munch, "Starry Night," 1922-1924
FORM - This painting uses different shadows and colors of blue to capture the night as well as the brushwork that is seen within the sky. The expressionism we see on the figures within this piece is characterized by bold colors which create a dramatic and emotional expression.
Edvard Munch, "White Night," 1901
CONTENT - The painting creates a serene winter night that includes a small, nestled house among the trees. This piece also creates a sense of quiet and stillness emphasizing the cold moonlit landscape. The use of light and shadow gives this piece a mystical quality.
Finally, like all our days it must come to an end, but I hope you have gathered insight and appreciation for not only the beauty the sky in all its phases of the day brings, but the emotions you feel when viewing them.