Atkinson Grimshaw’s Beautiful Realism

By Author: Ryan George
Total Articles: 6
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“Sharply focused, almost photographic” is the ideal way to describe John Atkinson Grimshaw’s work as the sheer power of his paintings absorbs you into their very beauty. Although the everyday scenery he painted mostly consisted of moonlit misty nights, the images are far from dark. They seem in fact to vibrate with an inner light that enhances the dreamlike quality of the paintings.

It is quite unfortunate that the details regarding this under-appreciated artist are limited, because unlike most of his counterparts, Grimshaw did not leave journals or letters that would give us an inner glimpse into the thinking of this artist. He was a private person, not an extrovert and most of his paintings remain in private collections, which means his work does not receive enough exposure.

Grimshaw was a realist, and unlike the Impressionists, he painted scenes as he saw them. Despite the realism of his depictions there is nevertheless a dreamlike quality that permeates his paintings as well. He mostly painted with empathy towns and docks such as Scarborough, London, Liverpool and Glasgow. He also did portraits, landscapes, ...
... neo-classical subjects and even fairies. Looking at his paintings you feel as though you could simply step through the canvas into that inviting scenery. Despite it being mostly of moonlight nights, the paintings do not look sinister and instead make you long to be part of it. It is believed that Grimshaw mixed sand and such external ingredients to his paints to change the texture of his paintings.

This ultra talented artist rarely changed his style and stayed true to his ability right throughout. He might have reached greater heights or even gained more recognition if he had not died at the age of 57, due to cancer. His paintings are for those who prefer to have a scene portrayed as it is, as opposed to the Impressionists method. Obviously the artist will add his or her own impressions but will stay true to the model, the scene that is in front of them. Grimshaw’s work allows you to sit back and reminisce of a world which was simpler and less congested.

If you are interested in finding out more or viewing John Atkinson Grimshaw’s work or simply to find out about fine art in London visit Richard Green and enter the world of art and be enriched by the experience.