Rainy Kirkgate (In the Footsteps of Turner)

‘Rainy Kirkgate’, ink on sketchbook page.

This is the opposite view to that painted by Turner in 1797, so here the cathedral is behind us and we are looking towards the market square as a torrential rain storm passes.

J.M.W. Turner and David Stead: A Dialogue of Artistic Vision in Kirkgate, Ripon
J.M.W. Turner, one of the most celebrated British painters of the 19th century, is renowned for his breathtaking landscapes and innovative use of light and color. His influence has extended far beyond his time, inspiring generations of artists who seek to capture the ephemeral beauty of nature. In the context of Kirkgate, Ripon—a picturesque street lined with historical architecture and quaint charm—Turner’s legacy resonates powerfully. Contemporary artist David Stead finds inspiration in Turner’s techniques, producing works that echo his mastery while reflecting the unique essence of Yorkshire.
Turner’s Legacy in Kirkgate
Kirkgate, located in the heart of Ripon, Yorkshire, is a setting that seems to transcend time. Its cobblestone streets and period buildings evoke a sense of nostalgia that aligns seamlessly with Turner’s romanticized interpretations of the English landscape.Turner made several works in and around Ripon Cathedral and his depictions of the Yorkshire countryside resonate with the area’s beauty. His ability to capture atmospheric effects, especially the interplay of light and weather, makes Kirkgate an ideal subject for contemporary exploration.
Turner’s famous paintings, such as “The Fighting Temeraire” and “Rain, Steam and Speed,” are testaments to his understanding of movement and change. His innovative use of color and light transformed landscapes into emotive experiences, reflecting nature’s transient states. These themes find a modern echo in Stead’s work, particularly in his ink drawings that seek to encapsulate similar atmospheric qualities.
David Stead: A Modern Response
David Stead, a Yorkshire artist whose work often reflects the local landscape, has taken inspiration from Turner’s techniques and philosophies. Stead’s approach involves a deep engagement with the environment around him, capturing the essence of places like Kirkgate through various mediums—painting, drawing, and, notably, pen, brush, and ink. His works often draw on Turner’s exploration of light and atmosphere, infusing his personal narrative into the scenes he depicts.
In his pen and ink drawing of a wet Kirkgate, Stead channels Turner’s spirit while creating a contemporary vision of this historic street. The wet pavements glisten under a grey sky, evoking the atmospheric effects that Turner was so adept at capturing. By using pen and ink, Stead emphasizes texture and detail, allowing the viewer to feel the dampness of the scene while simultaneously reflecting the ethereal quality that Turner mastered.
The Artistic Techniques
Stead employs a combination of techniques in his drawings that echo Turner’s methodologies. Using fine lines to delineate architecture and broader strokes to suggest the movement of rain, Stead creates a dynamic interplay between the static and the fluid. This is reminiscent of Turner’s own techniques, where he often juxtaposed detailed foreground elements against sweeping backgrounds filled with swirling clouds and light.
In capturing a wet Kirkgate, Stead also reflects on Turner’s ability to evoke emotion through landscape. The ambiance of a rainy day can evoke feelings of melancholy, solitude, or introspection. Stead’s choice of subject—a street shimmering with rain—invites viewers to pause and contemplate, much like Turner’s works. The energy of the rain transforms the street into a living entity, resonating with the viewer’s own experiences of weather and mood.
Thematic Connections
Both artists grapple with the themes of nature and urbanity. While Turner often focused on grand landscapes, he also captured the essence of human existence within those landscapes. Similarly, Stead’s drawing of Kirkgate serves as a bridge between the natural elements (the rain, the atmosphere) and the man-made environment (the buildings, the street). This thematic connection allows Stead to explore the coexistence of humanity and nature, a recurring motif in Turner’s work.
Moreover, the choice of a rainy scene is significant. Turner frequently depicted weather phenomena to explore the emotive power of nature. Stead’s portrayal of Kirkgate, drenched in rain, reflects a similar understanding of how weather can shape our emotional landscape. The viewer is invited to consider how the rain influences the environment, perhaps prompting memories or feelings related to the weather.
Yorkshire: A Shared Influence
Yorkshire itself plays a crucial role in the connection between Turner and Stead. The county’s diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to historic towns like Ripon, have inspired countless artists over the centuries. Turner’s explorations of Yorkshire landscapes laid the groundwork for future generations, making it a fertile ground for artistic interpretation.
David Stead’s work embodies this regional pride, showcasing the beauty of Yorkshire through his contemporary lens. By grounding his art in local scenes like Kirkgate, he not only pays homage to Turner but also contributes to the ongoing narrative of Yorkshire’s artistic heritage. His drawings invite a dialogue with viewers, encouraging them to see the familiar through a fresh perspective, much like Turner did in his time.
Conclusion: An Ongoing Dialogue
The artistic dialogue between J.M.W. Turner and David Stead exemplifies how art can transcend time and space. Through the lens of Kirkgate in Ripon, the shared themes of light, atmosphere, and the relationship between nature and humanity are brought to the forefront. Stead’s pen, brush, and ink drawing of a wet Kirkgate serves as a contemporary response to Turner’s legacy, capturing the essence of a moment in time while invoking the emotional depth that both artists strive to convey.
As we view Stead’s work, we are reminded of Turner’s profound influence on the art world and the enduring power of place. Kirkgate becomes more than just a street; it transforms into a canvas for exploration, emotion, and artistic expression. In this way, the legacy of J.M.W. Turner lives on, inspiring new interpretations and fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty found within our everyday surroundings.