Trees in a Park 1800

Thomas Girtin made this watercolour, "Trees in a Park," with graphite on paper, around the turn of the 19th century. Here, we can see how Girtin used diluted washes of pigment, and thin pencil lines to capture the complex forms of these trees. In the context of Britain at the time, landscape painting was increasingly popular. The growth of cities, and the industrial revolution led to a desire for images of the countryside. But this wasn't just for aesthetic appreciation. Watercolours like this one played a role in shaping social perceptions. The paper itself is also key to the image. Girtin's art relies on the white ground showing through, giving the scene a soft, atmospheric quality. The choice of watercolor and graphite allowed the artist to achieve this effect. The quick application suggests the artist may have been sketching "en plein air," or outside the park itself. By examining the materials and processes, we can appreciate the artistry of Girtin’s work. It challenges the division between mere craft and fine art.