On the Cliffs c. 1898

"On the Cliffs" was painted by Arthur Bowen Davies using oil on canvas. In this piece, Davies has used traditional art materials, but it is his unique approach that makes the artwork stand out. The texture of the canvas supports the layering of oil paints, creating a visual depth that draws us into this otherworldly scene. Davies' choice to blend the colors, especially in the sky, creates a soft, dreamlike quality that contrasts with the sharper delineation of the figures and landscape. The application of paint, seemingly effortless, belies the skilled tradition Davies was engaging with, a technique honed through years of practice. Yet, the way he flattens perspective and uses color is far from academic. It’s tied to wider social issues of romanticism, and a desire to depict nature, perhaps reflective of the increasing industrialization of the period. Ultimately, understanding "On the Cliffs" is as much about appreciating the making as it is about admiring the finished artwork, challenging us to see beyond the surface and value the process and context behind it.