Looking down from Florence towards Lucca 1882

Editor: Here we have John Ruskin’s watercolor, "Looking down from Florence towards Lucca." The cool blues and greys create a somewhat melancholic mood. What do you see in Ruskin’s compositional choices here? Curator: The formal arrangement prioritizes the sky. Note how the artist divides the plane, allocating two-thirds to the celestial vault and one-third to the earthly domain. Observe the layering, the artist using washes of color to imply depth and distance. How does that resonate with you? Editor: I see how he builds depth with color, drawing the eye towards the horizon. I didn't notice the sky's prominence initially. Curator: Indeed. Ruskin's atmospheric perspective guides the viewer through a carefully constructed visual experience. I find this piece successful in its formal elements. Editor: I agree. I learned a lot about seeing the structure. Curator: Me too. It is all about attention to the forms!