Lincoln from the Southeast

Under John Varley's influence, de Wint worked en plein air, creating a sense of immediacy in his watercolors. His best work is often arranged horizontally on the sheet to allow him to paint sweeping panoramic views. This work can be securely dated, since it is from a book of sketches dated 1816 by the artist and depicts the area around Lincoln where he frequently spent his summers. Even on a relatively small sketchbook page, de Wint realized a sweeping view of Lincoln cathedral that encompasses a gentle pastoral landscape with grazing herds.