Figures in Landscapes

Figures in Landscapes for portraits

A portrait of a person in outdoor settings has been depicted for centuries. Although somewhat stylized in his backgrounds, the work of Thomas Gainsborough (1727 – 1788) is a classic example of portraiture in landscapes. This form of art is making a pleasant return in popularity. There was a time when artists did not consider this as an alternative to the standard portrait within an interior setting. Most would be satisfied by not painting a background all together. Time and lack of a good budget may well have a factor in this.

However, landowners, farmers and generally people who live in the countryside, like to associate themselves with the environment they live and work in. They are usually passionate about the countryside and are a part of that living landscape. This is what sets them apart from people who live in the towns and cities throughout the world. In some circumstances, it makes sense to depict them in a portrait, within the beauty of their surroundings.

Painting figures in landscapes is not just restricted to the countryside. People from towns and cities can also be portrayed in interesting outdoor settings, such as a main street in New York. The hustle and bustle of the city and the bright colours of the cabs and shops would make an ideal setting for an executive in a sharp suit. This can make a pleasant change, from a sometimes very ‘dry’ looking portrait that says nothing of the person in the composition.

Architecture or at least parts of buildings can make pleasing backgrounds to any portrait painting. A reference to the outside world in a portrait creates more interest in the artwork. This would raise all sorts of questions. Who is this person in the painting? What is their connection with the background in the artwork? Do they own this building or the land it sits on? A figure in a landscape would create all this sort of debate. At the same time, the artist would be challenged to design something more interesting than a standard portrait.