RSA Scottish Art
Summer Pleasures
 | Artist: Hugh Cameron |
| Title: Summer Pleasures | |
| Year: 1890 | |
| Medium: oil on canvas | |
| Dimensions: | |
| Suggested topic: figure composition | |
| Source: RSA | |
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| Open print version of this work | |
| Description: Hugh Cameron specialised in paintings of everyday life, often featuring children in rural or seaside settings, and he often spent his summer months painting at Largo Bay, in Fife.This painting, Summer Pleasure, is probably one of his Largo Bay paintings. It presents an idyllic vision of childhood without the intrusion of adults into the scene. The context also reflects the importance that the Victorians placed on the seaside as a health-giving place. The older girl assumes a maternal role, carrying the smallest child and overseeing the activities of the others, but she seems just as involved in the fun as the others.The energetic handling of the paint creates a sense of movement and vitality. The sweep of the bay is expressed by the gentle curving shape of the waves subtly lapping on the shore. The palette is warm and golden, like the afternoon sun on a hazy summer day. The haar (sea-fog) softens the outlines of the distant houses and blurs the line where the pink sky meets the pastel-blue sea. The tonal quality of this painting is reflected in the pale, pastel colours used, in keeping with the luminous glowing light of a summer day.The scene carries a joyful mood of finding simple pleasure in nature. There is also a sense of innocence here, as well as the peace and tranquillity offered by a quiet beach in the sunlight. The mood of this painting is created by the happy figures in the foreground. Can you visualise what this landscape would be like without the figures? Can you imagine how the mood would change without them? | |