Pastel on paper
36.5 x 30 cm
Gerald Gardiner had a deep fascination with and sensitivity for nature. To emphasise their beauty and majesty he would often, as here, portray a single tree as the main subject. His work shows the influence of the British Impressionist Sir George Clausen, and is a continuation of the latter’s attempt to capture light and atmosphere at challenging times of day. In this instance, soft, morning light coming through hazy fog, which he has choosen to depict with pastel so as to skillfully capture its elusive, smokiness.
Gardiner studied at Beckenham School of Art, under Percy Jowett (1919-23), and the Royal College of Art (1923-27), exhibiting oils at the Royal Academy, the New English Art Club, among others. He taught at the Cheltenham School of Art right up until his death. During the Second World War Gardiner served in the Home Guard but continued to paint during this time, notably three large murals for the Cheltenham Services Club in 1943.
