Stanley Clarke (fl. 1897-1902)
Untitled: Approaching Storm (1897)
watercolour on paper
(sight) 13 ¼” high x 19 7/8” wide
(framed) 22 3/8” high x 28 7/8” wide
Summary: A fine watercolour painting by listed Canadian artist B. Stanley Clarke (fl. 1897-1902) entitled “Approaching Storm” and dated ‘97’ (1897). Clarke specialized in marine subjects and exhibited with the Art Association of Montreal and the Royal Academy, this is a fine large example showcasing his understanding of the sea.
With much attention to detail a square-rigged tall ship is depicted coming in from the high seas below a dark cloud filled sky. Surrounded by sea birds it is sailing straight towards the viewer’s right shoulder; the artist has outlined another more distant ship in silhouette on the horizon to its right. This perpendicular juxtaposition heightens the sense of depth and incorporates a finesse of perspective, a characteristic of Clarke’s style.
Clarke examples this large are rare, he preferred a smaller format (less than 8″ x 10″).
