Artwork
River currents, Veneto
River currents, Veneto is a watercolor work on paper by the Contemporary Realist artist Carole Robb. It dates from 2004 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
The artist studied in Rome during the 1970s, like others who chose realistic styles over abstract art.
Carole Robb painted River currents, Veneto in 2004, using watercolour. It shows how water moves and changes in a river scene. The artist studied in Rome during the 1970s, like others who chose realistic styles over abstract art.
This work is one of fourteen from her trip through Rome to Tivoli and the Veneto in 2003–04. It captures the flow and energy of water currents in the landscape.
Check out more of Robb, Carole’s artworks next.
Overview
River currents, Veneto is a 2004 watercolour by Carole Robb, depicting the dynamic movement of water in a river scene. It is one of fourteen works documenting her 2003-04 journey from Rome to Tivoli and the Veneto.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork focuses on capturing the varying energies of water currents, contrasting calm and turbulent flows within a single composition, to convey the natural movement and power of water.
Technique & Style
Robb employs expressive watercolour techniques, with thick, agitated lines denoting restless water and softer areas suggesting calm. Her figurative style, informed by Old Master paintings, differs from the abstract trends of her time.
History & Provenance
Part of a series created during Robb's 2003-04 travels, this work updates the traditional Grand Tour watercolours of Italy held in the V&A, reflecting a contemporary take on the theme.
Context
Robb's artistic approach aligns with contemporaries like Stephen Farthing and Christopher Le Brun, who also opted for figurative styles rooted in traditional European painting during their time at the British School in Rome in the 1970s.
Artist & collection
Artist
Carole Robb painted delicate watercolours of Italian cityscapes and canals in the early 2000s.
