Comparing Urban Landscapes as Depicted by L.S. Lowry and Paul Kenton
Landscapes can be found in every area of the world, ranging from icy landscapes of Polar Regions, mountainous landscapes, vast desert landscapes, islands and coastal landscapes, densely forested landscapes and even tropical rainforests. All landscapes are divided most commonly into natural elements or urban figurations; almost always is the sky included in any type of landscape work though. The composition of the sky in landscapes is often accompanied by the weather element of the piece too, showing whether the piece is set in harsh weather or not, naturally setting a mood. The mood of a landscapes background sets the tone for the rest of the piece, whether people feel uplifted or almost depressed by the weather effects. In most cases, natural landscapes give off a relaxed, peaceful mood while urban landscapes have this expected busy, never ending feel. Any type of landscape painting tries to show how the landscape feels, opposed to describing it, as visually seeing a piece allows the audience to lose themselves in it and sets their mood, based on the paintings. Landscapes are also used to show the overall business or relaxing element of what would often be seen as a background if people were included. Human-like figures can be found in some landscapes but the focus of the piece will always be on the landscape itself, whether it’s natural or urban-based.
As part of my coursework, I have focused primarily on urban landscapes and in particular, L.S. Lowry and Paul Kenton’s take on urban landscapes. I will analyse both artists style of work, combined with their composition, use of colours, tones, texture and scenery, followed by comparing and contrasting each artist on their work within urban landscapes.
L.S. Lowry One artist famous for painting Urban Landscapes is L.S. Lowry, who is widely known for painting industrial districts of Northern England during the early 19th Century. This artist is characterised by his distinctive style of painting, often
Bibliography: http://www.washingtongreen.co.uk/artists/paul_kenton/profile.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L._S._Lowry
http://www.thelowry.com/ls-lowry/his-life-and-work/