Landscape Painting Description - Essay Example

Landscape Painting al Affiliation) The Artful Recluse Introduction Different forms of art usually elicit different feelings among different people; this occurs due to various interpretations of these forms of art. In this discussion, the focus will be shifted towards two drawings by different artists and the possible meanings that they may create among the society. 1. Drawing by Mi Wazhong The drawing dates back in 1625; it was drawn by the famous artist Mi Wazhong who live for a period of fifty eight years beginning 1570 to 1628. The drawing depicts a landscape with various natural features; the drawing is on scroll with an approximate measurement of 344 cm by 102 cm. These measurements make them suitable for hanging on walls where they can easily be seen hence facilitating the transfer of information intended by the artist. On the drawing there is a clear picture of a mountain characterized by large numbers of stones on the mountain top. There are also some mountains visible from the horizon; at the foot of the mountain, there are several trees; some of these trees are clustered while others are scattered all over the foot of the mountain. Seemingly, the artist was making an attempt to depict a connection between mountains and trees; this also indicates that the artist had proper environmental knowledge in the sense that: Mountainous regions are characterized by heavy rainfall; in these areas there tend to be excessive growth of trees especially at the foot of the mountain. Additionally, it is apparent that the artist is aware that the growth of trees cannot be supported by the steep slopes of any mountain. The artist did not draw tree on the steep slopes of the mountain; a scenario which may also indicate that the slopes are characterized by excessive soil erosion hence lack of tree. Consequently, the drawing depicts an attractive natural scenario that appeals to the viewers; sceneries of trees have usually been ascribed to a sense of relaxation to human mind. It also exposes the viewer to a situation of mental activity whereby; viewers may be compelled to find out the relationship between trees and mountains. Apart from the trees and the mountains, there are also signs of fog that are evident on the mountain top as well as at the foot of the mountain around the tree tops. The fog might have been used by the artists to indicate that the region is characterized by very cold temperatures. Moreover, the fog may be an indication of high level of humidity experienced in the region. In order to provide his viewers with more detailed information, Mi Wazhong indicated shallow and narrow valleys from the mountain top the bottom of the mountain through the forest hence giving an indication that there is a possibility of high amount of rainfall received in the area. Valleys are indication of flowing water; this may mean that high amounts of flowing water moves from the mountain tops through the forest at the bottom of the mountain. From the drawing, viewers are also in a position to note that there is lack of ground cover vegetation in the area around the mountain; this may be as a result of the trees which may be allellopathic in nature hence hindering the growth of other minor plants. It may also indicate that the canopies of the forest have a negative effect on the growth of the ground cover vegetation. Considering the date of the drawing, it is apparent that it was prepared before the beginning of rapid civilization and industrialization. This could mean that the society at that time had a great sense of appreciation to the available natural features and had proper knowledge on the kind of relationship between such natural features. It could also be possible that the artist was an environmentalist who sought to convey pertinent environmental messages through drawings to the society. This was very imperative during that period where majority of the populace were illiterate and drawings were used as appropriate techniques for information transfer. The drawing also indicates a figure that resembles a human being; this might have been used to depict that, during that period there was a free interaction between humans and the natural environment. 1. Drawing by Chen Guan The drawing is relatively different from Mi Wazhong’s drawing; however, both the drawings are based on various characteristics of the natural environment. Chen Guan provides his viewers with a scenario of a hilly region characterized by rocks and floral material. There are also various water bodies in the area an indication that substantial amount of rainfall is received in the region. The vegetation in the vegetation in the region are also scattered; this could be an indication that there rainfall received in the area may not be sufficient to support the growth of plants in the region. Additionally, the scattered vegetation may also be as a result of the rock in the area that may not support growth of trees as well as other plants. There is a large hole on top of the hill; this could be an indication of volcanic actions in the area. There is lack of fog or mist in the area indicating that the temperatures of the region are relatively high; the high temperatures could also be a cause of scattered vegetation in the region. Some of the trees are characterized by scattered leaves; this could be as a result of the conditions that do not favor growth of plants. This drawing also indicates a greater sense of understanding of the artist on the surrounding environment; the artist has depicted this by showing indications through eroded slopes, scattered trees characterized by scattered leaves. It also apparent that artist made an attempt to relay pertinent environmental information to the society. Moreover, this could mean that there is a string relationship between the society and various environmental features creating the need to convey such information from reliable sources to the general community. Conclusion From the two drawings, it is apparent that the two artists were more concerned on environmental issues; the relationship between various environmental facets as well as the transfer of such information to the society. Additionally, both the artists may have been environmentalists hence decided to use art as a means to convey their environmental information to the society. However, it should be noted that despite the fact that the two drawings were based on environmental facets, there exhibit two different scenarios and relatively similar scenarios. References Wazhong, Mi. "Lanscape Drawing." 1625. GIF file. Read More