This beautifully illustrated book is the first full-length critical
study to focus on the watercolours of multitalented British artist and
designer Eric Ravilious (1903-1942). Adopting the wide-ranging approach
familiar to readers of his previous books on the artist, author James
Russell explores the evolution of a remarkable talent.
An introductory section offers an intimate portrait of Ravilious, an
artist for whom personal relationships, particularly with women, were
paramount. It goes on to describe the extraordinary achievements of an
all-too-brief career, drawing on new research to seek out artistic
influences and examine Ravilious's relationships with fellow-artists, as
well as the development of his mark making.
There follows the most comprehensive display of Ravilious watercolours
yet assembled. Some have never been published, while others are familiar
and well loved. Many are explored in short accompanying essays, some
with full-bleed images that show details of paintings at full size.
These texts are designed to entertain and enlighten, looking at
composition, technique, influence and inspiration, or discussing the
significance of particular subjects and the people behind the scenes.
This is the definitive guide to the luminous, evocative and timeless
watercolours of Eric Ravilious, an artist now regarded as one of the
finest of the twentieth century.
