45+ of the Best Landscape Artists and Their Famous Paintings

There are so many amazing landscape artists throughout art history and across different art movements. Their famous landscape paintings draw you in and let your eyes explore the vastness of the scenery and the intricacy of details.

I’ve always loved landscape paintings – while I personally find them quite challenging to do, I can definitely appreciate how much time and effort it takes to create one with both great depth and detail.

So let’s take a look at some of best landscapes artists and their famous landscape paintings.

Some of the most famous landscape artists are:

Claude Monet
Vincent van Gogh
J.M.W. Turner
John Constable
Thomas Cole
Caspar David Friedrich
Albert Bierstadt
Georgia O’Keeffe

Best Landscape Artists – Our Full List

1. Albert Bierstadt

Albert Bierstadt is probably most well know for his landscape paintings of the American West.

Born in 1830, his German background allowed him to portray the American West in almost a European style with dramatic lighting and details.

Bierstadt captured realism in his landscapes with a touch of magic making his paintings of American landscapes almost seem like they were pulled from a land of fantasy.

2. André Derain

Next, jumping to a drastically different style of landscapes, we have the French artist, André Derain.

A prominent figure in twentieth-century modern art, French artist has left an indelible imprint in the sphere of landscape painting. Born in 1880, Derain is primarily recognized for his pioneering work in the development of Fauvism alongside Henri Matisse (which I’m sure you could have guessed by the similarity in their work).

Both these artists used exaggerated, non-naturalistic colors to spark an emotional response, thereby challenging the conventional boundaries of impressionism.

3. Andrew Wyeth

Andrew Wyeth, born in 1917 in Pennsylvania, the United States, was celebrated as one of the most talented American realist painters of the 20th century.

His unique style, known as Magic Realism, redefined landscape painting, creating a fusion of reality with a subtle sprinkle of hints of the supernatural. Wyeth’s art pieces often capture the rustic tranquility and untouched beauty of the Pennsylvanian and Maine countrysides.

4. Asher Brown Durand

Asher Brown Durand was born in 1796, in New Jersey, and went on to become a celebrated artist of the Hudson River School, a mid-19th-century American art movement defined by a group of landscape painters (which we speak about further toward the bottom of this post).

The unique style of the Hudson River School was characterized by their romantic portrayal of the natural American landscape, often painted with detailed precision.

Durand’s landscape art primarily showcased the untouched beauty of the American wilderness.

5. August Wilhelm Leu

August Wilhelm Leu was renowned for his captivating mountainous landscapes. Born in Münster, Germany in 1818, Leu developed an entrenched fascination for the dominating mountains of Norway and the Alps.

His masterful landscapes were recognized for seamlessly merging technical prowess with a compelling and evocative representation of nature’s grandeur.

Leu’s landscapes resonated the principles of the Romantic School – a movement that emphasized emotion, individualism and the intense depiction of the natural world (much like the work of Albert Bierstadt).

6. Camille Pissarro

Born in 1830 on the Caribbean island of St. Thomas, Camille Pissarro was very popular in terms of the evolution of the French Impressionist movement.

Often referred to as the “Dean of the Impressionist painters” for both his innovative artworks as well as his active role in mentoring some of the greatest Impressionist painters like Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, and even Vincent Van Gogh, Pissarro definitely transcended art periods making substantial contributions to the Neo-Impressionist era as well.

Pissarro’s rural and urban landscapes were deeply entrenched with the essence of everyday life and brought a sense of wonder to many seemingly plain country scenes.

7. Giovanni Antonio Canaletto

Now we go onto one of the old masters and a genius in terms of classical landscape art, Giovanni Antonio Canaletto.

I’ve actually been luck enough to see his painting, A View of Greenwich from the River, in the Tate Museum in New York City and trust me a picture of it on a screen doesn’t do it any justice.

Born in the culturally rich city of Venice in 1697, Canaletto held a special fascination for picturesque city views. His artistic creations, known as “vedute”, are detailed depictions of urban landscapes often filled with vibrant human activity.

8. Caspar David Friedrich

Caspar David Friedrich, a German Romantic landscape painter, was born in 1774 in the Swedish Pomeranian town of Greifswald.

I’m sure you’ve seen his painting Friedrich’s ‘Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog before as it’s one of the most famous landscape paintings of all time.

Friedrich’s art was deeply entrenched in portraying nature not as it physically appears, but how it emotionally engages the observer and would often include more symbolic and philosophical elements that many other landscape artists did not include.

9. Claude Lorrain

Claude Lorrain, born in 1604 in Chamagne, France, is commonly known as just Claude. His magnificent landscape paintings, etchings, and drawings have cemented his place in the annals of art history.

Early in his career, Claude worked as an errand boy to artists in Rome, Italy. Despite humble beginnings, he transformed into a master painter, famed for his incredible understanding of light and its effects on a landscape. His emphasis on incorporating realistic light in his compositions elevated the landscape painting genre. Claude’s detailed study of sunlight, evident in the glowing horizons of his works, was innovative for his time and a substantial influence on future landscape artists.

10. Claude Monet

I’m sure you were waiting for us to mentioned Claude Monet on this list.

When you think of transformative figures in the world of art, Claude Monet definitely comes to mind. Born in Paris in 1840, he was a central figure in the Impressionist movement, characterized by the artist’s desire to capture the transient effects of sunlight in a sensory manner.

His way of capturing landscapes, nature, and light is truly unlike any other landscape artist.

11. David Hockney

A personal favorite of mine, David Hockney, an acclaimed English painter, made a massive impact on the art world from the moment he emerged in 1937.

Drawing a lot from the Pop Art movement, Hockney’s work is a testament to his love for creating vibrant, captivating landscapes. His colorful, symmetrical, and even surreal interpretation of nature stands out,

Hockney imbues life into every setting he captures on his canvas. Amidst then-lengthy careers experimenting with various forms of media including painting, drawing, printmaking, and photography, landscape art was a recurrent theme and focal point.

His landscapes aren’t merely limited to portraying reality, but often venture into surreal territory, seeming to exist in an almost dreamlike state.

12. Edgar Payne

Born in 1883, Edgar Payne is known for his intrinsic ability to capture the essence of the American and European landscapes. If you are interested in landscape art of the South West look no further.

An extremely talented plein air painter, Payne gained fame for painting with raw emotion. His canvases are picturesque narratives that dive headfirst into the heart of nature, often depicting southwestern desert scenes, serene marinescapes of Italy and France, and the ethereal beauty of the Sierra Nevada.

13. Edward Hopper

While probably more well known for capturing small moments of urban solitude, Edward Hopper, had some truly amazing landscape paintings.

Edward Hopper, born on the 22nd of July 1882 in the state of New York, left an indelible mark on the art world until his demise in 1967. When we speak about his specialty, it hovers around the uncanny ability to depict both urban and rural landscapes with a compelling narrative and subtlety of emotion.

14. Edward Theodore Compton

Edward Theodore Compton, an English-born German painter and illustrator, was born on July 29 in 1849.

He stood as a renowned alpine mountain painter, recognized globally as a pioneer in depicting mountain scenes with exceptional attention to detail. His fascination with mountainous landscapes was reflected in his multiple trips to Scotland, Norway, and the Alps, capturing scenes that held a breathtaking mixture of grandeur and tranquility.

15. El Greco

Now, we move onto, a more surreal artists who was born in the wrong era.

El Greco captured many landscapes beatifully and imbued them with symbolism, bold colors, and blended lines.

El Greco’s real name was Domenikos Theotokopoulos. Born in Crete in 1541, El Greco marked his presence in art history as a significant figure during the Spanish Renaissance. Keep in mind, while renowned for his dramatic and expressive artwork, he wasn’t confined solely to one art form, instead showcasing a unique blend of Byzantine and Western styles.

El Greco’s canvas came alive with the harmonious fusion of colors and light, infusing each artwork with a profound sense of emotion and spirituality. Notably, the incorporation of elongated, almost ethereal human figures set against stark landscapes became a trademark style. One advantage of his unique visionary style was his ability to transform conventional religious themes into immersive visual narratives, blessing his work with a timeless appeal.

16. Even Ulving

Venture into the world more realistic landscape depitctions, we have Norwegian landscape artist named Even Ulving.

Born in 1863, Ulving was a renowned landscape artist, celebrated for his vivid portrayal of Norwegian fjords, mountains and serene coastal scenes. He beautifully amalgamated quick brushstrokes and chromatic scales, sketching a poetic rhythm on the canvas that radiated a soothing ambiance.

A noteworthy aspect of Ulving’s artwork was his ability to personify nature. His landscapes often symbolized human emotions, thereby interlacing nature and human sentimentality. A hallmark of his style was his uncanny ability to represent the dichotomy between light and shadow, thereby casting a mystical allure over his paintings.

17. Fan Xuan

Fan Xuan is an influential figure in modern Chinese landscape painting also resembles the work of another modern artist, Gio XI, that we couldn’t leave off this list.

Originating from China, Fan Xuan is widely known for merging traditional ink landscapes with modern ideas. His artistic evolution is a testament to the future prospects of landscape painting as a genre, blending tradition with modernity in a way that innovatively captures the viewer’s imagination.

18. Frederic Edwin Church

Frederic Edwin Church is another very popular artist in American landscape art.

Originating from Hartford, Connecticut, United States, Church etched his mark in the art world as an instrumental member of the Hudson River School.

Church’s mastery lied in his microscopic detailing and luscious coloring of landscape paintings. His attention to detail was not confined purely to physical accuracy. He aimed for emotional resonance as well, using atmospheric and lighting effects to infuse his paintings with a sense of awe, mystery, and drama.

19. Frederick Judd Waugh

I’m sorry we waiting so long to mentioned a landscape artist who specialized in perfectly capturing the ocean, but here we have Frederick Judd Waugh

He was born in the heartland of New Jersey in 1861, carved his name into the world art history with his unwavering affinity for the sea and seascapes. In his early years, Waugh excelled at capturing pastoral landscapes and earned recognition for this expertise. However, a visit to England in his thirties sparked an enduring fascination with the coastline and the sea.

20. Georgia O’Keeffe

Another extremely popular landscape artist – probably the most popular on this list is Georgia O’Keeffe.

Often referred to as the “Mother of American Modernism,” holds a unique space in the spectrum of landscape art. Born in Wisconsin in 1887, O’Keeffe’s groundbreaking vision and unwavering drive to convey her perceptions led her to challenge the boundaries of conventional landscape painting with every brushstroke.

O’Keeffe was known to draw inspiration from diverse geographical locations. She began her career capturing the hustle and bustle of New York City, but it was New Mexico’s entrancing landscapes that soon became her creative muse.

21. Gio XI

Gio XI, full name Giovanni XI, is a remarkable contemporary Italian artist born in 1975.

A true master of landscape art, he distinguishes himself through his broad stylistic methods and an extraordinary ability to infuse tranquility into his landscapes. Gio XI’s painting style stems from rich exposure to a diverse range of European art, classicism, and his genuine passion for the great outdoors.

He primarily works with oil on canvas, creating intricate landscapes that vividly portray the beautiful countryside of Italy. His pieces poetically embody rural life, showcasing quaint cottages, serene valleys, and clear sky in the backdrop. One could almost feel the gentle breeze wafting through the trees and hear birds singing on viewing his artwork.

22. Giorgione

Giorgione, a Venetian painter born near Venice around 1477 and one of my personal favorites, is hailed as a pioneer in the High Renaissance style of painting.

Innovative and enigmatic, Giorgione established his artistic reputation through atmospheric landscapes imbued with deep poetic meaning and harmonic color ranges. His work carries a sense of tranquility and emotional depth, which is a testament to his skillful delivery of narrative.

Giorgione’s captivating landscapes are a harmonious blend of human activity co-existing with nature.

23. Hans Heysen

Hans Heysen, born in Germany and brought up in Australia, was a figure renowned for his impressive landscapes and particularly for rendering the beauty of the Australian countryside.

Born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1877, he migrated to South Australia with his family at the age of 7. This gave him the opportunity to witness firsthand the beautiful landscapes of Australia. His art style, honed by various influences, was known for its profound exactness in depicting natural light and atmospheric effects.

24. Henri Rousseau

Henri Rousseau, born in Laval, France in 1844, is revered in the art world as a ‘primitive’ or ‘naive’ painter. The term, assigns to self-taught artists who reject or lack conventional artistic training.

His journey wasn’t as simple as many might think and it was only after he was 40 that Rousseau turned towards painting full-time.

Despite lacking formal art education, Rousseau mastered composition and precision to create some incredibly detailed landscapes tinged with magical realism.

Rousseau’s paintings are marked by unique synchronization of reality and fantasy. The intuitive ingenuity that distinguishes his work has been attributed to his exceptional ability to master landscapes even without a formal education or extensive travels.

25. Ivan Shishkin

On the other hand, Ivan Shishkin, a Russian Romantic painter born in 1832, was celebrated for capturing portraits of nature’s realm on canvas through realistic and intricate detail.

True to the Romantic movement’s pursuits, Shishkin’s work focused on expressing the depth of human experiences and emotions through nature. Its importance makes Romantic connotations prevalent across most of his paintings.

Both Henri Rousseau and Ivan Shishkin bring a unique perspective to landscape painting, infusing a sense of wonder, introspection, and artful imagination in their works. Despite the differences in style and technique, their dedication to landscape art and their ability to evoke strong emotions through their work unites them. Their contributions continue to inspire landscape artists and art enthusiasts worldwide.

26. J.M.W. Turner

Using soft and beautiful tones that capture light perfectly, J.M.W Turner is renowned for his revolutionary approach to landscape painting

Born in London, England, in the year 1775, Turner’s exceptional talent lay in his ability to depict atmospheric seascapes and landscapes, which continue to inspire generations of artists.

Evidence of Turner’s legacy is prevalent to date. His contribution to the landscape art form is respected by both expert critics and art enthusiasts alike. His distinctive style of capturing fleeting moments with such serenity and grandeur has set a benchmark in the art world.

27. Jacob Van Ruisdael

Onto the world of Dutch and Flemish Renaissance painting, we have Jacob Van Ruisdael. Born in Haarlem, Duchy of Brabant, Habsburg Netherlands, around 1625, Ruisdael’s name is synonymous with detailed and highly emotive landscape painting.

Breaking down Ruisdael’s paintings reveals his distinctive use of color, texture, and composition. His dramatic skies and intricate landscapes reflect his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to eke out the beauty in everyday Dutch life.

28. Jake Longstreth

Jake Longstreth is a modern, currently liveing artist based in California, USA.

Known for his minimalist approach and insightful interpretations, he journeys between figuration and abstraction, weaving a unique narrative in his work.

Concentrating primarily on semi-urban landscapes, he explores southern Californian sceneries infusing the mundane with an edge of allure.

29. Jan van Goyen

Another master of Dutch landscape painting in the 17th century, Jan van Goyen deserves a place in the among these famous landscape artists.

Born in the city of Leiden, Netherlands, in 1596, he played an instrumental part of the Dutch Golden Age, bringing significant changes to landscape artistry during that era.

Van Goyen’s artistic style was marked by calm, atmospheric landscapes focusing on the skies, cleverly depicting the natural lighting of different times of the day. Contrasting skies accordingly with water was a subtle dexterity van Goyen mastered, lending his scenes the iconic ‘tonal harmonies’.

30. Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot

Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, a prominent French artist, definitely played a substantial role in transforming the landscape genre.

Born in 1796 in Paris, his artistic journey reflects a fusion of Romanticism and Realism within his oeuvre. Keep in mind that Corot’s innovative style is marked by an atmospheric illumination and sense of immediacy to his scenes, surpassing the boundaries of traditional landscape painting.

31. John Constable

John Constable, an influential English artist, brought fresh vibrancy to landscape painting in the early 19th century.

Born in 1776 in Suffolk, England, he built a remarkable reputation for his detailed, realistic compositions that interpreted the beauty within the English countryside.

Interestingly, Constable’s artistic success did not gain recognition until he was in his fifties and had moved to France. The French art community admired his innovative techniques and authentic portrayals of the English countryside, which subsequently influenced the Barbizon School and the forthcoming Impressionist painters.

32. Jordan Grimmer

Jordan Grimmer is a contemporary, living British artist treasured for his dynamic, digitally rendered environmental landscapes for the video games industry.

His wide-ranging palate of colors and exciting composition captivates audiences. Born in the UK, Grimmer received his formal education from the Norwich University, where he specialized in Game Art and Design.

Jordan Grimmer’s virtual landscapes primarily draw inspiration from the vibrant world of video games. From a mix of grungy, metropolitan cityscapes to pristine, tranquil countryside environments, Grimmer portrays landscapes with vivid detail.

As a concept designer in the gaming industry, Grimmer’s work is often influenced by futuristic and dystopian themes. His landscapes are both imaginative, yet grounded with a touch of realism, a style that enables effective world-building for games.

33. Leonardo da Vinci

What can we say about Da Vinci that hasn’t been said already. He was a master of many artistic crafts – one of them being landscape art and architectural art.

With the comprehension of geological formations and an unparalleled understanding of light and shadow, Leonardo da Vinci used landscapes as backdrops to encapsulate specific moods. This was a far cry from other artists’ practices during his time, whereby landscapes served only as neutral settings.

34. Nicolas Poussin

Our next landscape artist, Nicolas Poussin, dominated the French Baroque period with his brilliant conceptualizations of historical and biblical events.

Poussin, hailing from Normandy, France, came into this world in 1594. Despite working primarily overseas in Rome, the essence of classic French elegance was an omnipresent element in his creations. His exceptional blend of the Italian and French aesthetics heralded a significant shift in landscape painting.

35. Paul Cezanne

Paul Cezanne, the revered Post-Impressionist painter, has played a cardinal role in laying the groundwork for the transition from 19th-century artistic sensibilities to the avant-garde movements of the 20th century.

His innovative style and techniques continue to influence generations of painters, and his contributions to the evolution of modern art are undeniable.

Born in the Aix-en-Provence region of France in 1839, Cezanne grew up absorbed in the sights and sounds of the Mediterranean landscape. His distinctive approach to painting, which involved organizing patches of color into a balanced and harmonious whole, was unique in the world of art.

36. Peder Mork Monsted

As you’ve seen so far on this list, Denmark has given the art world many exceptional artists, and Peder Mork Monsted is another one of them.

Born in 1859, Monsted was a realist painter who specialized in breathtaking landscapes. His paintings are expressive and vivid, and his keen understanding of nature made for a body of work that meticulously captured the beauty and infinity of the natural world.

Monsted’s childhood love for the natural world shaped his approach to art. His style, characterized by great precision, detailing, and artistic control over colors, resulted in an uncanny ability to reflect landscapes through fresh and invigorating paintings. His works broadly encompass themes such as sunlight spilling through trees, reflections mirrored in tranquil lakes, and panoramas of desert and snow.

37. Pieter Brueghel the Elder

Pieter Brueghel the Elder stands as another iconic figure in the landscape genre of the Renaissance period who was born in 1525 in Breda, the Netherlands.

Known for his distinct departure from prevailing norms, Brueghel captured landscape scenes unhampered by the illustrious religious themes traditionally attached to land and nature.

Drawing similarities to today’s genre-defying art climate, Brueghel’s work resonated because of its defiance of mainstream dogma. His masterful grip over intricate brushwork, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to seamlessly integrate narrative within his landscapes set a high bar for landscape painting.

38. Rosson Crow

Rosson Crow was born in 1982 in Texas, USA, and claimed her space in the world of contemporary landscape artists with a style that drew heavily from history, interior spaces, and architectural forms.

Today, Crow is globally recognized for her stunningly large-scale, theatrical, and emotionally charged paintings.

Although Crow represents the more contemporary part of the spectrum in landscape artists, her blend of painterly techniques, expressionistic style, and keen visual storytelling skills is testament to her unique voice within the landscape art community.

39. Shara Hughes

Another one of the contemporary landscape artists making waves in the landscape painting genre is Shara Hughes.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1981, Hughes’ fresh and vibrant approach to painting landscapes is intriguing the art community. Her idiosyncratic style transforms traditional landscapes into abstract renditions, teeming with bold patterns and hues.

Hughes’ deep grasp on the concept of space and her almost surreal use of color and shape are are center stage in her art. This unique blend of craft results in vibrant scenes that play with emotions and perspectives, melting realism into an unexpected array of fantastical landscapes.

40. Thomas Cole

A name that resonates remarkably in the world of classic landscape painting is that of British-born American artist Thomas Cole.

Born in 1801, Cole is hailed as the founder of the Hudson River School, an American art movement known for its celebration of untamed American landscapes. Often portrayed with a romantic sensibility, Cole’s landscapes beautifully fuse the picturesque with the sublime.

Cole’s artistic prowess lies in his ability to infuse traditional landscapes with thought-provoking allegory. Besides being a celebrated painter, Cole was also a poet and writer whose texts often contemplated themes of nature and human’s place within it, echoing the sentiments in his paintings.

41. Titian

Regarded as the key figure in the 16th-century Venetian school, Titian, or Tiziano Vecellio, was a well-known Italian painter noted for his versatility and breadth of subjects.

The artist primarily employed his skills in portraiture, landscape backgrounds, and mythological subjects. Born around 1488, Titian was described as “the sun amidst small stars”, referring to his radiance and intensity.

Primarily known for his utilization of color, he employed a distinctive loose brushwork, which laid the groundwork for the development of Impressionist techniques.

42. Vincent Van Gogh

Of course Van Gogh would be on this list – the notorious Vincent van Gogh, born in 1853, left a lasting impression on the realm of art despite only painting for a decade.

Mostly known for his striking post-impressionist paintings featuring vibrant colors and emotive subjects, van Gogh’s brilliance even extended to landscaping. Unfortunately, van Gogh faced several hardships in his personal life and experienced episodes of poor mental health.

Van Gogh’s deep connection to nature is evident in his style embracing open compositions, stark contrasts of color, and heavy applications of paint. This approach breathed life into his landscapes, creating intense and dynamic representations of his surroundings. A distinct style, his landscapes went beyond the visual appearance of nature, aiming to reflect its essence.

43. Wassily Kandinsky

Wassily Kandinsky was a Russia-born pioneer of abstract art whose contributions to the world of paintings remain influential till this day.

Born in Moscow in 1866, Kandinsky’s journey as an artist was greatly impacted by his keen perception of color, a defining hallmark that made his art truly unique. One thing that set his work apart was the emotional resonance—one could almost ‘hear’ a symphony while looking at his landscape paintings.

One common thread observed throughout Kandinsky’s artistic evolution was his attraction towards the majesty of landscapes.

44. William Trost Richards

William Trost Richards, the Philadelphia-born American landscape painter, holds a significant standing in art history, primarily accredited to his devotion towards faithfully depicting aspects of nature in his works.

Richards, born in 1833, was another prominent figure associated with the Hudson River School and the American Pre-Raphaelite movement. Both movements greatly influenced the trajectory of his artistic expressions and offerings.

45. Winslow Homer

Winslow Homer, born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1836, established a prolific career as an American landscape and marine painter, well-regarded for his energetic depictions of the crashing North Atlantic waves, tranquil farm scenes and hunting themes.

His art advanced from traditional Victorian aesthetics towards a more atmospherically rich, windswept vision of his surroundings.

One interesting point to remember is that Homer was a largely self-taught artist. He initially started as a commercial illustrator, but over time evolved his style from detailed realism to a dramatic, poetic exploration of light and color in the wild and marine settings.

46. Zhan Ziquan

Last but not least – we have Zhan Ziquan.

An intriguing Chinese painter, Zhan Ziquan, who was active during the Sui and early Tang dynasties, around 500 – 600 AD.

Zhan Ziquan is celebrated for his fundamental contributions to an artistic style known as shan shui, translating to ‘mountain-water.’ This genre focused on expressing the fierce energy, vastness, and spiritual sanctity of nature, often utilizing one or a few human figures for scale.

Zhan Ziquan is also known for his contribution to Buddhist and Taoist artistry. His landscape paintings are often embedded with deep religious and philosophical symbolism. Through his work, nature was elevated to a divine status and was seen as the primary avenue for spiritual enlightenment and transcendence.

What Are the Best and Most Famous Landscape Paintings?

If we had to choose the most famous landscape paintings they would be:

“The Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh (1889)
“Water Lilies” series by Claude Monet (1896–1926)
“Wanderer above the Sea of Fog” by Caspar David Friedrich (1818)
“The Hay Wain” by John Constable (1821)
“The Oxbow” by Thomas Cole (1836)
“Hunters in the Snow” by Pieter Bruegel the Elder (1565)
“View of Delft” by Johannes Vermeer (1660-1661)
“Impression, Sunrise” by Claude Monet (1872)
“Shepherdess and Sheep” by Camille Pissarro (1878)

These works often standout among different art periods and movements as pieces that shape both their time period while also being timeless. They offer viewers a window into different geographical locations and historical periods. One of the most iconic landscape paintings is “The Starry Night” by Vincent Van Gogh. With its bold strokes, vibrant colors, and surreal depiction of the night sky, it reflects Van Gogh’s unique interpretation of nature.

Another popular piece of landscape art shown above is Thomas Cole’s painting “The Oxbow” which captures the American West’s landscape during the 19th century. It is both a realistic depiction and a metaphorical portrayal of the tension between wilderness and civilization.

Who Are the Most Famous Landscape Artists?

Some of the most famous landscape artists are:

Claude Monet
Vincent van Gogh
J.M.W. Turner
John Constable
Thomas Cole
Caspar David Friedrich
Albert Bierstadt
Georgia O’Keeffe

A Brief History of Landscape Paintings and Art

Landscape art, in its earliest form, likely signified a shift from religious or human-focused subjects towards the beauty and intrigue of the natural world.

Early landscape artists from the Ancient Greeks and Romans strove to capture their immediate surroundings, creating works that might be seen as rudimentary by today’s standards, yet laid the foundation for centuries of evolution in landscape art.

The 17th century marked a significant evolution within landscape painting. The Dutch Golden Age heralded realism, with artists carefully studying and depicting light, atmospheric effects, and seasonal changes. These meticulous renderings brought a sense of legitimacy and dignity to landscape art that was previously reserved for historical or religious works. The works from this period, such as those by Jacob van Ruisdael and Aelbert Cuyp, continue to be iconic symbols of this artistic evolution.

It was in the 19th and 20th centuries, however, that landscape art truly flowered. Artists like J.M.W Turner and the Impressionists, including Claude Monet, began to paint en plein air or outdoors. They sought to capture transient effects of light and color, deviating from the previously held notions of detailed, exact reproduction. Such artistic progressions were innovative and paved the way for the modern understanding of landscape painting, emphasizing the artist’s personal perception and emotional response to nature.

Who Are Some Noteworthy Landscape Artists From the 19th Century?

During the 19th century, many notable landscape artists left their marks through their mesmerizing paintings.

To highlight some they would be:

Claude Monet, one of the founding figures of the Impressionist movement, revolutionized the world of landscape art with his innovative use of light and color to emphasize momentary impressions of the natural world.
J.M.W. Turner, recognized for his expressive and semi-abstract seascapes and landscapes, expanded the boundaries of landscape painting through his poetic portrayal of the interplay between light and nature.
Albert Bierstadt made his mark through his majestic and often dramatic renditions of the Rocky Mountains and the natural grandeur of the American West.

Side note: It’s also worth noting that the nineteenth century marks the transitioning between the convention of Romanticism and the emergence of movements like Impressionism and Realism.

Landscape artists like Caspar David Friedrich who stuck to the traditional Romantic style and those like Camille Pissarro who embraced the new Impressionist techniques are both equally worthy of recognition.

Who Are Some Contemporary Landscape Artists

At first glance, landscape painting may seem like a relic of the past, especially in our technological age. However, numerous contemporary artists continue to draw inspiration from landscapes, building upon the foundations laid by historical artists while introducing innovative techniques and perspectives.

Here are some of the best contemporary landscape artists:

Andrew Gifford, a British artist, is known for his evocative cityscapes and landscapes. Drawn to the interplay of light and shadow, his works, such as “Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives” or “Sanctuary Series,” showcase a contemporary interpretation of classical landscapes, filled with vibrant hues and dynamic brushstrokes.
Zaria Forman, on the other hand, focuses on climate change through her landscape art. Her large-scale pastel drawings, inspired by her travels to places like Greenland, the Maldives, and Antarctica, document the rapidly transforming landscapes and aim to raise awareness about the pressing issue of climate change.
Lastly, we cannot overlook the photographic landscapes of Edward Burtynsky. Recognized globally for his large-format photographs, Burtynsky captures industrial landscapes from above, providing a stark yet eerily beautiful commentary on humanity’s impact on nature. His works, such as “Nickel Tailings #34” or the series “Water,” challenge our perception of landscape art, reminding us of the interrelation of art, industry, and the environment in the 21st century.

Who Are Some Famous Abstract Landscape Artists?

Abstract landscape artists are known for their ability to transform familiar scenes into dynamic compositions of color, texture, and form, often prompting a more emotional response from viewers.

Some famous abstract landscape artists are:

Wassily Kandinsky
Shara Hughes
Joan Mitchell
Emily Carr

What About Famous American Landscape Artists?

Known for depicting America’s vast landscapes and untouched wilderness, these artists played a crucial role in forging a unique American identity, separate from European traditions.

Many also used their art to explore the powerful relationship between humans and the natural world.

Some of the most famous are:

Winslow Homer
Albert Bierstadt
Thomas Cole
Andrew Wyeth
Asher Brown Durand
Edward Hopper
Edgar Payne
Frederic Edwin Church
Georgia O’Keeffe
William Trost Richards

Is It Hard to Paint Landscapes?

Like every art form, painting landscapes can definitely have its challenges, but it’s also exteremely rewarding to step back from your landscape peice and see how much you’ve captured.

Painting a landscape can be challenging since it requires keen observation and the ability to depict both intricate detail while displaying realistic depth.

In addition, the intricate blend of nature’s shapes, textures, and proportions can be complex to replicate, requiring meticulous attention to detail. The challenge lies not just in painting what you see, but also evoking a sense of place and emotion, bringing your own interpretations and feelings into the picture.

How Do You Learn to Paint Landscapes?

Learning to paint landscapes begins with a simple step: observing nature.

-> Begin by studying landscapes, pay attention to the elements that catch your eye. It could be the way light falls on a patch of grass, how trees change colors with seasons, or a serene sunrise. This observation helps understand crucial aspects like natural lighting, color balance, textures, etc., forming the foundation for your painting.

-> Keep in mind that sketching is another fundamental part of learning to paint landscapes. Regular sketching improves your ability to capture the essence of the landscape quickly and accurately, your hand-eye coordination, and your understanding of proportions and perspective. Initially, start by sketching small sceneries in black and white to understand the structures and proportions better.

-> Next, learn the techniques of painting. You can do this independently by experimenting with paints and brushes or considering attending art classes, workshops or online tutorials. Use references to understand the interplay of light and shadows, color compositions, and the different textures found in the natural world. Remember, practice is key. As you keep painting, you will start developing your style. Whether it’s capturing the grandeur of mountains or the subtlety of a peaceful stream, landscape painting, like any art form, is about continuous learning and refining your craft.

Who Was America’s Best Landscape Artist?

If we had to choose America’s best landscape artist it would have to be Frederic Edwin Church.

Frederic Edwin Church, a prominent member of the Hudson River School art movement, is widely recognized for his stunning portrayal of nature. His deep reverence for the American landscapes shines through in each of his works. Born in Connecticut in 1826, Church was mentored by Thomas Cole, whose dedication to realism and natural beauty greatly impacted Church’s artwork.

What set Church apart were his meticulously detailed portrayals of the wilderness and his ability to magnificently capture natural light.

What Was the Hudson River School Art Movement?

The Hudson River School was an influential American art movement that flourished during the mid-19th century.

Centered on a group of landscape painters, the movement was inspired by the picturesque landscapes of the Hudson River Valley and other areas of New England. Their works often reflected a sense of awe at the American wilderness and a belief in the transcendental power of nature.

Several defining characteristics set Hudson River School paintings apart:

Detailed Realism: Artists meticulously depicted the natural world in fine detail.
Romanticism: There was an emphasis on the emotional and spiritual connection between humans and nature.
Dramatic Use of Light: This often reflected a sense of the divine, with radiant sunlight breaking through clouds or illuminating a pristine landscape.

Key figures in the Hudson River School included Thomas Cole, Asher B. Durand, Frederic Edwin Church, and Albert Bierstadt, among others. Their collective works showcased the untouched beauty of the American landscape, from the rugged mountains to the expansive skies.

Effects on Landscape Art and the Art World:

Promotion of American Landscapes: The Hudson River School played a vital role in establishing landscape painting as a major genre within American art. Before this movement, European landscapes were more widely recognized and valued.
National Identity and Manifest Destiny: Their artworks played into a growing sense of American national identity. The vast and untouched nature of the American landscape was seen as evidence of America’s unique destiny and potential.
Conservation and Preservation: The romanticized depiction of American wilderness indirectly contributed to early movements towards conservation. It made people more appreciative of the natural beauty that America offered, influencing efforts to protect such spaces from rapid industrialization and expansion.
Influence on Subsequent Movements: The Hudson River School laid the groundwork for subsequent American art movements like Luminism, which emphasized tranquility and the effects of light on landscapes.

Who Painted American Landscapes?

Numerous artists have painted American landscapes, each presenting a unique interpretation of these vistas.

However, a few names stand out due to their immense contribution to this art form such as :

Albert Bierstadt, an artist of German origin, is particularly famous for his depictions of the American West. Born in Prussia in 1830, Bierstadt embarked on multiple expeditions to the western territories and drew inspiration from these journeys to paint grand canvases that captured the vast beauty and majesty of this unspoiled landscape.
Thomas Moran, another influential landscape artist, is best known for his depictions of the American West, especially the Yellowstone region. His paintings played a vital role in urging the U.S. Congress to establish Yellowstone as the first National Park in 1872.
Finally, we cannot discuss American landscape painting without mentioning the Hudson River School artists. This mid-19th century American art movement exalted the beauty of the American wilderness, particularly scenes from the Hudson River Valley. Artists associated with this movement, like Thomas Cole and Asher Brown Durand, produced countless beautiful works that vividly capture the essence of the American landscapes.

Who Painted Urban Landscapes?

If we had to choose two of the best urban landscape artists they would have to be:

Steph Wiltshire
Edward Hopper

The renowned British painter, Stephen Wiltshire, holds a reputation as a signature urban landscape artist noted for his panoramic cityscape sketches.

Stephen Wiltshire rose to prominence due to his extraordinary ability to create detailed, high-quality panoramic drawings of urban landscapes from memory after merely viewing them once. His drawings often showcase cities teeming with architectural detail, from iconic structures to the intricate network of roads and alleys that bind neighborhoods together. Some of his famous works include the series of panorama drawings of cities like London, New York, Dubai, and Tokyo.

Edward Hopper (one of my personal favorites) is probably best remembered for his depictions of urban landscapes and the solitude often found within them.

Born in 1882, Hopper’s works captured the intricacies of modern life, showcasing both its isolating vastness and its quiet intimacy. Unlike other artists of his time, who chose to showcase the bustling energy of the city, Hopper focused on the moments of stillness amidst the chaos. His paintings, often imbued with a sense of melancholy and introspection, feature empty streets, lone figures in diner booths, and the play of light and shadow on architectural forms.

Through his meticulous brushwork and masterful understanding of light, Hopper was not just painting scenes; he was painting moods, evoking a profound emotional resonance that continues to captivate viewers to this day.

Zack

Zack is the creator and main author of LateNightPortrait. As a late starter himself, he believes that anyone, regardless of age, can create something special through practicing art. He spends most evenings drawing portraits and figures while listening to music. When not drawing or painting he can be found going for walks with his wife and attempting (and often failing) to train his dog.