Fine Folk
We would struggle to give you an elaborate answer as to why we love Folk Art so much, but I think that our fascination starts and ends with the lack of faff involved in it. Coined in the 19th century, the term ‘Folk Art’ is used as a way to describe works of art that existed out of the mainstream sense of artistic traditions. Often painted in a naive style, Folk Art sheds all pretence that is associated with art and design and leaves us with beautifully credible accounts of the lifestyles and traditions of ordinary people. Lucky for you we have plenty of work in this charming category to go around, so sit back and enjoy this wholesome selection of artwork as seen through the untrained eye.
Ah, young love - this charming study depicts two lovers in a garden filled with foxgloves. We know where we’d rather be!
We see many Folk style artworks file in and out of the studio, all original and fun, but none have been quite as unique as this piece.The scene shows the Annunciation with Angel Gabriel, bringing a martyr's palm to Mary as she and Joseph sew and toil the land. Highly stylised and rich in colour, this piece makes quite the statement.
Who better to encapsulate the charming naivety of Folk Art than children, as seen here in this lovely 19th Century sampler by Emily Bennett, aged 8.
Oh to be burrowed away in this country cottage nestled in the heart of the English countryside. This charming piece shows tiny figures frolicking in the garden without a care in the world, just perfect.
Mid 19th Century Folk Art Oil - The Farmhouse
Isn’t she lovely?! This charming peasant girl plays her skin dum on the grassy verge of a meadow. The artist gives an extremely romanticised view of working class life, but it certainly makes a beautiful portrait.
If you ask us, this gorgeous prized heifer is exactly the shape all cows should be, perfectly square!
It might be a curious choice for a child’s toy, but many Folk pieces feature small infants with whips to show their interest in horse riding. This small child sports a blue dress with the loveliest puff sleeves, very sweet and would look just great on a gallery wall.
Folk Art Miniature Early 19th Century Watercolour - Child with Whip
The small details are what makes this piece just so captivating. With the dappled light, twisting branches and tiny inscriptions to the gravestone, the artist has truly captured the feel of this country scene.
Framed Late 19th Century Oil - All Saints Churchyard
We’re going to start with one of our favourites, because how can you not fall in love with this dreamy Shepherd boy in his tulip shaped hat. This fine piece shows that a naive style does not compromise quality with its beautiful colours and delightful details.
We are simply in awe of this beautiful European piece. Placed in a vast mountain landscape, two Swiss peasants are rendered in fine detail, capturing the delicacies of their features and gorgeous traditional clothing. While there is little that is naive about this piece, the artist strikes the perfect balance between the flatness of the Folk Art style and the keen attention to light and tone that is apparent in the scene. Who said that naive paintings can’t be masterful, not us!
Calm and simple, this coastal scene gives a great picture of what 19th Century coastal life would look like.
You might be able to tell by now that farm work is a common motif in the Folk world. Here we have a shepherdess, draped in a beautiful embroidered gown embracing a single sheep. We particularly love the floral imagery in this scene, from the small basket hanging from the sheep’s mouth to the rose on her Shepherd’s hook. There’s some clear influences from Julie d'Angennes but this piece certainly holds its own charm.
French Folk Art 19th Century Oil - The Shepherdess
Simple and elegant, this lovely lady is captured in simple forms which highlight her naively painted features. Beautifully presented in a rosewood frame.
Now, this is the type of still life study that we love. Both fun and stylish, the artist depicts a bounty of September delights against a matte black surface. We love the way that the colours have retained an earthy feel despite being juxtaposed with the dark background. It’s certainly one you need to get a close look at to appreciate the details, but we’re hoping you can see its charm just as clearly as we can.
C. Higgins - English Folk Art Late 19th Century Oil, September's Joys
Folk Art would simply not be what it is today without the beautifully embroidered pieces created by women. Often disregarded as an inferior art form, recent movements have worked tirelessly to bang the drum for textile artists. With this in mind we would like to spotlight this glorious piece depicting a gentleman and his horse.
