One might think that having a very small colour pallette would hinder the effect z picture might have. We look at two pieces with restricted pallettes and yet are both fabulously beautiful.
We begin with a piece that relies heavily on different textures of brown. We see only 2 or 3 other colours which are used. Brown is often considered a drab colour, but here we see it ranges from dark brown to ochre and light cream, and it brings with it a richness and depth. The image itself displays 4 women fetching water from the local spring.
One notices the graphite of the original drawing, which was then over-kaid with watercolour. We see some sgraffito to show the water, ripples, and roughness of the stone wall.
A hint of green in the foreground, a touch of red for the roof, and grey/blue for the buildings are all the colours we get.
From a rural forest scene to a coastal scene, this time relying on two colours.
Once again, brown is a major actor in this scene, but here, blue is used to a much greater degree. A fabulous expanse of sky above a beautiful sand covered beach.
A normal fenland/wash scene in which the vast sky can overwhelm the viewer, but here, the beauty of the coastal shore keeps us grounded.
Two quite lovely scenes by unknown artists, both created in the early to mid 19th century.
