The Bright Light of Summer

The bright light of summer – new collection from Life: Full Colour

The bright light of summer has been a profound influence on art, shaping the way artists depict the world around them. Throughout the ages, this seasonal brilliance has inspired diverse styles and techniques, from the ancient frescoes of Pompeii to modern impressionist masterpieces. The vibrant sunlight of summer was captured in frescoes and mosaics that adorned villas and temples. These artworks often depicted indoor scenes filled with life and colour, using natural light to create a sense of depth and realism.

The enjoyment of food and drink, the essence of life, was deeply ingrained in Roman society. Beyond mere nutrition, food and wine played vital roles in people’s social lives, business lives, spiritual lives, and afterlives. As seen in this fresco preserved in Pompeii

‘Last Supper’ – fresco preserved in Pompeii

Clarity of summer light

The Renaissance period saw a heightened interest in naturalism, where artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael harnessed the clarity of summer light to bring a new level of detail and vibrancy to their works. The bright light allowed for richer contrasts and more precise renderings of landscape as well as the human form.

Capturing the changing effects of light

Impressionists in the late 19th century truly revolutionised the use of summer light in art. Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Camille Pissarro embraced the fleeting quality of sunlight. Painting en plein air they aimed to capture the changing effects of light and colour on the landscape. Their works, filled with dappled sunlight and vibrant hues, conveyed the transient beauty of summer.

The beach at Sainte Adresse by Claude Monet

The Bright Light of Summer

And now, bursting with the bright light of summer our artists bring to you their Summer Specials show. From still life to landscape via figurative painting and ceramic sculpture, our Welsh-based artists have created vibrant, colourful and energetic original pieces. Curated by Sara McKee FRSA this new collection has over 140 artworks to enjoy at Celf Palas, Caernarfon.