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Student Artwork Guide

The River Dart, Devon

Name Class Date

Charles Smith, The River Dart, Devon (1866), Buxton Museum - Art Gallery. Public domain. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Charles Smith originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/charles-smith/
Artist’s dates
1749 – 1824
Painted
1866
Original size
69 x 112 cm
Held at
Buxton Museum - Art Gallery originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/buxton-museum-art-gallery-buxton/

In context

The River Dart, Devon — Charles Smith

How big is it?

The original measures 69 × 112 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1740
  2. 1750
  3. 1760
  4. 1770
  5. 1780
  6. 1790
  7. 1800
  8. 1810
  9. 1820
  10. 1830
  11. 1840
  12. 1850
  13. 1860

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 75 at death.

Shaded: the lifetime of Charles Smith (1749–1824) ▲ this work, 1866 every dated painting, decade by decade

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/charles-smith-the-river-dart-devon-AQSV9P-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Driftwood #8d8e58

    Catalogued palette

    • #8D8E58
    • #30392A
    • #D7D28D
    • #585837

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Main colour name
    Driftwood
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Statement How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Balanced How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Balanced Soft How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Charles Smith over the last twelve months — 3 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 United Kingdom 62.5%
    2. 2 Ireland 25.0%
    3. 3 China 12.5%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 5 most looked-at works by Charles Smith

    1. 1 Portrait of an Unidentified Member of the Smith Family of Tormiston 50.0%
    2. 2 Map of Cork City (1750), 1750 25.0%
    3. 3 Barbara Smith of Tormiston in Stenness 12.5%
    4. 4 Dartford Heath, Kent 12.5%
    5. — The River Dart, Devon, 1866 this painting 0.0%

    Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 8 works by this artist, of which 4 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Charles Smith

    early life and artistic beginnings

    charles smith, a scottish artist, was born on november 7, 1749, in stenness, orkney isles. his father, william smith, and mother, charlotte whitefoord, laid the foundation for his future artistic endeavors.

    artistic evolution

    initially, smith focused on portrait painting but later expanded his repertoire to include mythological and whimsical subjects. this versatility showcases his adaptability and creative depth. as seen in the scottish national gallery of modern art, which houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by scottish artists like charles smith.

    notable works and influences

    portrait of a young lady, characterized by its use of soft, pastel hues, exemplifies smith's early work in portraiture.

    the enchanted forest, a later piece, showcases his foray into mythological subjects, featuring an ethereal atmosphere and dreamlike quality.

    his artistic style, influenced by the scottish enlightenment, reflects the cultural and intellectual climate of his time.

    legacy and impact

    charles smith's passing on december 19, 1824, marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on. his work can be found in various collections, including the modern one, a testament to his enduring influence on scottish art.

    explore more of charles smith's artwork and its significance at https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/charles-smith.

    discover the rich history of scottish art at https://AllPaintingsStore.com/, featuring an extensive collection of scottish artists and their works.

    related artistic movements and influences

    tartan, a patterned cloth with crossing horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors, has been an integral part of scottish culture. learn more about its history and significance at tartan - wikipedia.

    Museum

    Buxton Museum - Art Gallery

    On show in Buxton, United Kingdom

    A Timeless Sanctuary of Heritage and Art

    Nestled within the verdant landscapes of the United Kingdom, the

    Buxton Museum - Art Gallery

    serves as a profound testament to the enduring spirit of local history and artistic expression. To step through its doors is to enter a curated dialogue between the past and the present, where every corner whispers stories of the Peak District’s rich cultural evolution. The museum does not merely display objects; it preserves the very soul of Buxton, offering a sanctuary for those who seek to understand the intricate tapestry of human creativity and regional identity. For the art lover, it provides a moment of quiet contemplation, while for the collector, it offers a glimpse into the foundational aesthetics that shape our understanding of heritage.

    The architecture of the museum itself acts as a bridge between eras, embodying a sense of permanence and grace that complements its curated treasures. As one wanders through the galleries, the interplay of light and space creates an atmosphere of discovery, making it an essential destination for interior designers seeking inspiration in classical proportions and historical elegance. The building carries a storied past, having originally served as the Peak Hydropathic Hotel before becoming a home for the Buxton Free Public Library & Museum.

    A Masterful Blend of Landscape and Legacy

    The collection is a masterful blend of fine art and ethnographic significance, featuring highlights that range from delicate paintings to artifacts that speak to the geological and social heartbeat of the region. What truly distinguishes the

    Buonten Museum - Art Gallery

    is its unique ability to weave together the natural world with human artistry. The museum frequently hosts notable exhibitions that explore the intersection of landscape and legacy, often drawing inspiration from the rugged beauty surrounding the town. This seamless integration of local topography and fine art creates a sensory experience that is both grounding and transcendent.

    Visitors may find themselves captivated by works such as

    Bridgnorth, Shropshire

    by Bertram Nicholls, an oil on canvas that exemplifies the museum's ability to transport the viewer to a peaceful world of English countryside charm. The collection invites deep engagement, encouraging visitors to look beyond the surface and appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship of bygone centuries through:

    Evocative Regional Paintings:

    Works that capture the serene atmosphere and lush greenery of the surrounding landscapes.

    Geological Treasures:

    Artifacts that reflect the profound importance of the Peak District's natural history.

    Historical Narratives:

    Pieces that document the social evolution and archaeological significance of the Derbyshire region.

    Whether you are drawn by the allure of rare historical manuscripts, the evocative brushstrokes of regional masters, or the sheer architectural charm of the setting, the museum stands as a beacon of cultural preservation, inviting all to partake in its ongoing narrative of beauty and remembrance.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for The River Dart, Devon

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/charles-smith-the-river-dart-devon-AQSV9P-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Smith, Charles. The River Dart, Devon. 1866, Buxton Museum - Art Gallery. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/charles-smith-the-river-dart-devon-AQSV9P-en/
    APA
    Smith, Charles (1866). The River Dart, Devon [Painting]. Buxton Museum - Art Gallery. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/charles-smith-the-river-dart-devon-AQSV9P-en/
    Chicago
    Charles Smith. The River Dart, Devon. 1866. Buxton Museum - Art Gallery. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/charles-smith-the-river-dart-devon-AQSV9P-en/
    Harvard
    Smith, Charles (1866) The River Dart, Devon. Buxton Museum - Art Gallery. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/charles-smith-the-river-dart-devon-AQSV9P-en/

    Look closely

    The River Dart, Devon — Charles Smith

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Look back at Barbara Smith of Tormiston in Stenness, earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    4. What might the artist have wanted you to feel?
    5. If you could ask the artist one question about this work, what would it be?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Questions & Answers

    What color harmony does "The River Dart, Devon" by Charles Smith display?

    The colors of "The River Dart, Devon" by Charles Smith show a strong color unity harmony. Harmony describes how the colors relate to each other.

    Can I watch "The River Dart, Devon" as a full-screen slideshow?

    The diaporama of "The River Dart, Devon" can be watched on the artwork's Diaporama page.

    How do contrast and harmony combine in "The River Dart, Devon"?

    The color analysis of "The River Dart, Devon" by Charles Smith records a statement contrast and a strong color unity harmony.