John Varley: Snowdon, North Wales, 1802

John Varley (1778-1842) was a central figure for the watercolourists of the early nineteenth century. A founder member of the Society of Painters in Water Colours, and its most prolific exhibitor, he was also a highly significant teacher of both professionals and amateurs, and a writer of instruction manuals. He encouraged his students to paint in the open air, but also promoted the Picturesque theory of adapting nature to the requirements of composition.

He was a close friend of William Blake, and they collaborated in 1819 on the book Visionary Heads, written by Varley and illustrated by Blake. Varley made many visits to North Wales during the years 1799 to 1802, and in it's wild mountain scenery found subjects best suited to his brush. His time spent there had a powerful influence on the whole course of his art.

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HC-1149: card size 7" x 5" (178mm x 127mm)