Trees by a Pond

Date made: 1884-1933

Artist: Knox, Archibald

Description: A colourful watercolour landscape by Archibald Knox (1864-1933) depicting a dark billowing storm clouds over a small group of trees by a river. The painting appears to be an attempt to capture the broad panoramic views of the Island's landscape with the gently rolling hills and the broad expanse of sky above them. The small row of farm buildings or cottages are almost lost, on the left hand side of the large trees, under the dramatic storm-filled sky. Knox's watercolour sketches can be seen as exercises in capturing the light and a single moment in time. The artist is said to have painted his watercolour scenes in a few hours or less, but that he would also sit for hours waiting for the exact light and cloud formations that he wanted to paint.

Measurements: artwork: 42 cm x 56 cm

Materials: watercolour on paper

Photograph and description courtesy of Manx National Heritage via the link at imuseum.im.