View from Brick House, Great Bardfield 

Eric Ravilious made this watercolour painting of a ‘View from Brick House, Great Bardfield’ using paper and traditional painting techniques. Watercolor has an inherent luminosity, which Ravilious exploits here. The diluted pigments allow light to reflect off the paper, creating a subtle glow that permeates the entire scene. Look at the roofs and brickwork: the effect is almost like an architectural model, precise yet somehow dreamlike. Ravilious was a master of capturing the quiet beauty of everyday life. The choice of watercolor as a medium is significant: its relative ease of use made it popular with amateur artists, aligning with the broader social trend of art education and the rise of leisure activities. However, Ravilious elevates the medium through his sophisticated technique and composition, subtly highlighting the dignity and importance of everyday scenes. Ultimately, this artwork encourages us to appreciate the beauty found in the ordinary.