ROCKS AND SURF 

Nathaniel Hone the Younger painted this scene of ‘Rocks and Surf’ with oil paint on canvas, a traditional medium for landscape artists in the 19th century. Hone’s application of paint is particularly interesting here. You can see the thick brushstrokes, or impasto, especially in the white foam of the waves. This technique gives the painting a sense of movement and energy. Instead of trying to create a smooth, illusionistic surface, Hone embraces the materiality of the paint itself, allowing its texture to become a key part of the artwork. The use of oil paint also connects to broader social and economic contexts. The rise of industrial capitalism allowed for mass production and distribution of art materials like paints and canvases. This made it easier for artists to create and sell their work, but also raised questions about the relationship between art and commerce. By focusing on the materials and processes behind this painting, we can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance. It challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, highlighting the importance of skill, technique, and the artist's hand.