Oil pastel landscapes by Polish artist, Janusz Kokot (1960-present)

VENICE, FULL MOON OVER SANTA MARIA SALUTE by KARL HEILMAYER

This is a stunning landscape artwork with a luminous moon illuminating the ethereal beauty of Venice, a clear proof of Heilmayer's skills in capturing the effects of light. The painting has a sense of tranquillity and reverie, maybe because of the textural quality of the brushwork or the masterful interplay of colours.

In the painting's foreground, there are human figures in a gondola gliding by the canal, with their shadows reflected on the water. If you notice the iconic silhouette of the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute in the background, it's because of the implied lines in the composition through which the moon's reflection on the water guides the viewer to the Basilica.

Even though Heilmayer was the son of a landscape painter, he was largely self-taught and developed his own techniques due to his motivation for exploration rather than the typical training other artists took. It's obvious his father offered the early exposure in art that he needed, but his mastery of atmospheric effects, especially in light and fog, was all from personal exploration.

A MOONLIT LANE | 1874 | by JOHN ATKINSON GRIMSHAW

The painting is a stunning example of the artist's mastery of nocturnal scenes and his ability to capture the atmospheric qualities of moonlight. This work exemplifies GRIMSHAW'S unique style and his departure from traditional landscape painting towards a more contemporary and evocative portrayal of VICTORIAN ENGLAND.

The painting depicts a quiet, suburban lane bathed in the soft, ethereal light of the moon. GRIMSHAW'S use of CHIAROSCURO is particularly effective, with the moonlight casting dramatic shadows and highlights on the buildings and foliage. The lone figure of a woman with a child walking along the road adds a sense of mystery and isolation to the scene.

GRIMSHAW'S attention to detail is remarkable, with each brick, cobblestone, and leaf rendered with precision and clarity. The artist's use of color is equally impressive, with the cool tones of the moonlight contrasting beautifully with the warm glow of the gas lamps. The result is a painting that feels both realistic and dreamlike, capturing the essence of the VICTORIAN ERA while evoking a sense of timelessness.