Through recents weeks I have been struck by how the light of the sun, the moon, the stars, and lights on boats, streets and houses have such an effect on the sea around where I live. The view of the sea is so dependent on the weather and light conditions at a particular moment and can give someone a very different vision of where they have been.
On Sunday after Church I went to have a look at the local waterstones and came across a book on a local RA artist Charles Napier Hemy (1841-1917). Although being aware of Hemy living in Falmouth I had never paid great attention to his life or works. Hemy moved to Falmouth in 1881 and immediately fell in love with his surroundings. He even converted an old boat to become one of his art studios (see figure 1) which was moored in Falmouth harbour. Likewise, Hemy could often be seen rowing around the harbour sketching and drawing the changing wave patterns and light effects. Through the coming months I will return to Hemy as he is certainly an artist I am interested in, particularly since he painted the surroundings I know and see each day. If I am struck by the incredible changes of view around Falmouth then I can imagine Hemy being awestruck. Figure 2 shows a view of Pendennis Castle on the Peninsula of Falmouth and the blue of the sea is very typical of the area on a sunny day. I can imagine where Hemy is painting from and yet despite being a master of the sea Hemy could only produce something this realistic from years of watching the sea each day. This is a true master of the sea who especially in Cornwall, across the UK and even the world maritime art communities deserves high praise.
Lastly, have a look at figure 3 which is a painting of some Cornish fishermen, a theme Hemy returned to again and again, but this time notice the difference of the sea colour and the sky of the painting to figure 2. This painting recently sold at Sotheby's, would anyone like to guess how much for? Hopefully this blog will help you to appreciate how difficult mastering the sea is for artists, and make you aware of the changing view of our coastal environments. Hemy truly was a master of this.
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| Figure 1. Charles Napier Hemy in his converted art studio in Falmouth harbour in 1891 |
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| Figure 2. Charles Napier Hemy, Fishermen near the coast of Falmouth, oil-on-canvas: 63.5 x 92.7 cm, private collection. |
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| Figure 3. Charles Napier Hemy, Hauling the Trammel net (1892), oil-on-canvas: 82.5 x 120 cm, private collection. |
It is quite impressive how although Figures 2 and 3 are of vaguely similar subjects, Hemy’s manipulation of colour lends each an entirely unique atmosphere. I am particularly drawn to the bleak yellow sky and green waters of ‘Hauling the Trammel net’—when compared to ‘Fishermen’, it almost seems to possess an almost foreboding feel to it. I’d guess ‘Hauling the Trammel net’ sold for at least 10,000 USD, though I wouldn’t be surprised if it were auctioned off for much more.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning is the contrast of colours you pick up on! The majestic portrayal of the background castle in figure 2 is impressive to say the least and the emerald brilliance in figure 3 is dazzlingly beautiful. To paint such a masterpiece as these, how long would it take an artist such as Hemy to paint? I cannot even comprehend how to paint such a breathtaking picture!
ReplyDeleteAs for the guessing regarding its price, I would think a substantial price, perhaps £100,000? It is a difficult question but a fun one!
I very much hope you return to Hemy, he sounds a fascinating man and would love to see more of your findings on him!
That was a good observation. A good input for a budding artist like me.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments! The painting sold for £61,000 which is not a bad return when its high estimate was about £20,000!
ReplyDeleteHemy would have painted reasonably quickly, especially on watercolours. I think on his large oil canvas works I would suggest a few weeks to a month maybe. I will look into this as it is an interesting question. Some artists of the time were prolific whilst others would go for quantity rather than quality.
Lastly, thank you Medlinda for your comment. That is great to hear you like painting and I hope this might inspire you to do some seascape drawings!