An Estuary in Northern France

Richard Parkes Bonington was one of the most promising artists of his generation. He died when he was 25 years old. He probably painted on location using a wet-in-wet technique. Painting on wet paint directly rather than building up layers over time enabled him to create the spontaneity of watercolor in oils. I have looked at this painting for a long time, I like the lightness and flow elements of this painting. You can somehow feel the sun shining through the clouds. The fact that there is a sailing boat lying on the sand gives it grounding which I find absolutely calming and energizing.

Richard Parkes, An Estuary in Northern France

National Gallery

https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/richard-parkes-bonington-an-estuary-in-northern-france