My reproduction, "The Pool (After Bunker)", was an exploration into the techniques of Dennis Miller Bunker, an American Impressionist master and contemporary of John Singer Sargent. Bunker excelled at capturing natural light and atmosphere with a delicate touch, a quality I was particularly captivated by in his original piece. The tranquil scene also brought back fond memories of playing by ponds with my childhood friends.
In this faithful copy, the pond and sun-filled meadow fill up much of the foreground, inviting the viewer directly into the landscape. The horizon line is placed high on the canvas, with only the top quarter revealing a strip of distant trees and a subtle hint of the sky. A gentle breeze appears to play across the scene, as there are no clear reflections of reeds in the pond, and the grasses are visibly swaying. These grasses are painted in a beautiful variety of greens and goldens, using both warm and cool tones, while the colours in the distant trees remain more subdued yet still luminous.
My approach to this painting focused on emulating Bunker's distinct Impressionistic brushwork. Like Bunker, I utilized loose, unblended, and visible brushstrokes to capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. This vibrant and dynamic approach suggests the texture of the grasses and the shimmering surface of the pool, reflecting Bunker's interest in depicting natural light and its radiant effects. I used a bright and rich palette, building the painting in layers and observing the subtle shifts in greens and blues that define the water and surrounding foliage. This particular subject also offered valuable practice in painting the endless varieties of greens found in summer landscapes, allowing me to explore the nuances of value and temperature in creating depth.
This piece allowed me to convey the tranquility of the scene with a sense of immediacy and freshness, much like a plein air study. I'm especially happy with how I managed to capture that profound appreciation for nature's beauty. I hope that as you view this painting, you'll feel as if you're standing right beside the pool, immersed in its quiet charm.
Note: Canadian copyright laws permit sales of reproductions following 70 years after the artist’s death.