Susan here. Summer at last, warm and sunny (at the moment, thundery and rainy), soon to get even hotter, kids are on summer break — adults should be too! So here's a quick summer break for you: a gallery of some of my favorite summer-themed artworks — bright, beautiful images that evoke a sense of summer, of heat and sunlight, sea breezes, lazy days, roses and sunlight and a touch of fun. If it's summer where you are, I hope you'll be able to find time to rest and soak up some warmth and sunlight for yourself!
The ancients loved summer too — this is part of a Roman mural from the Villa of Livia, now in the Palazzo Massimo (National Roman Museum, Rome). In the original villa, this mural spanned the walls of one room with a peaceful panorama of fruit trees, flowers, birds, and blue skies.
Summer in early 15th century France in the Limbourg Brothers' Les Tres Riches Heures, where peasants work the fields and care for the sheep, while the nobility enjoy an outing (those long satin and woll robes must have been awfully warm!)
And a jump to the 19th century … my favorite century for summer scenes, when artists played freely with color and light, foundational drawing and texture as well as theme, exploring lush new ways to express the sensations of the seasons ….
Above: Though he worked in the late 19th century and is best known for his gorgeous, romantic medieval-esque images, Edmund Blair Leighton was fond of the Georgian and Regency eras too, and produced beautiful, poignant images like this one – "Summer Roses."
Claude Monet, The Beach at Argentuil. Monet was a master of using paint texture and color to build a sense of climate, depth, light, and air, and his summer scenes convey an immediate sense of heat hanging in the air, and baking sunlight!
Two paintings by the brilliant Spanish artist Joaquin Sorolla, who was a master of light – he made sunlight palpable, hot, blinking bright, atmospheric.
Danish painter Peder Kroyer was one of the "Skagen" painters, artists who went to the seaside resort, Skagen, and captured the brilliance of the sea and summer light on their canvases. Below, he evokes a summer evening on the beach, where the light dims, the moon glows, water sparkles, and air cools.
And here, Kroyer gives us a lush summer garden on a warm day, and a shady nook in which to read — a perfect spot!
"It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside."
- Maud Hart Lovelace, Betsy-Tacy and Tib
And one more for our Aussie friends, whose summer is not quite the same as in the northern hemisphere! Australian artist Frederick McCubbin was a gifted painter, here conjuring the quiet coolness of a winter morning downunder in June ….
What is summer like where you are just now? Are you a fan of summer's heat and sunlight, or do you like a cooler climate?
Summer is hot and humid. It is what it is. I just wanted to comment on the lovely paintings you chose to accompany this post. They are beautiful!
Summer is hot and humid. It is what it is. I just wanted to comment on the lovely paintings you chose to accompany this post. They are beautiful!
Summer is hot and humid. It is what it is. I just wanted to comment on the lovely paintings you chose to accompany this post. They are beautiful!
Summer is hot and humid. It is what it is. I just wanted to comment on the lovely paintings you chose to accompany this post. They are beautiful!
Summer is hot and humid. It is what it is. I just wanted to comment on the lovely paintings you chose to accompany this post. They are beautiful!
Thanks, Mary, glad you like the paintings! There are so many gorgeous images from so many artists – it wasn’t easy to choose. Follow up their names and you’ll find lots more of their work to love!
Thanks, Mary, glad you like the paintings! There are so many gorgeous images from so many artists – it wasn’t easy to choose. Follow up their names and you’ll find lots more of their work to love!
Thanks, Mary, glad you like the paintings! There are so many gorgeous images from so many artists – it wasn’t easy to choose. Follow up their names and you’ll find lots more of their work to love!
Thanks, Mary, glad you like the paintings! There are so many gorgeous images from so many artists – it wasn’t easy to choose. Follow up their names and you’ll find lots more of their work to love!
Thanks, Mary, glad you like the paintings! There are so many gorgeous images from so many artists – it wasn’t easy to choose. Follow up their names and you’ll find lots more of their work to love!
Beautiful paintings and I will certainly look up some of the artists to see further pictures. Where I am, it is very nice in early June but by the time July and August roll around it is oppressive heat and sun so bright it hurts your eyes. I start to long for Autumn.
Beautiful paintings and I will certainly look up some of the artists to see further pictures. Where I am, it is very nice in early June but by the time July and August roll around it is oppressive heat and sun so bright it hurts your eyes. I start to long for Autumn.
Beautiful paintings and I will certainly look up some of the artists to see further pictures. Where I am, it is very nice in early June but by the time July and August roll around it is oppressive heat and sun so bright it hurts your eyes. I start to long for Autumn.
Beautiful paintings and I will certainly look up some of the artists to see further pictures. Where I am, it is very nice in early June but by the time July and August roll around it is oppressive heat and sun so bright it hurts your eyes. I start to long for Autumn.
Beautiful paintings and I will certainly look up some of the artists to see further pictures. Where I am, it is very nice in early June but by the time July and August roll around it is oppressive heat and sun so bright it hurts your eyes. I start to long for Autumn.
I studied Art History in college and loved it. Monet was one of the masters. I’m not a big fan of abstract art. The Summer of Roses by Edmund Blair Leighton is delightful and beautiful. I prefer cooler temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s. I love sunshine but with cooler weather.
I studied Art History in college and loved it. Monet was one of the masters. I’m not a big fan of abstract art. The Summer of Roses by Edmund Blair Leighton is delightful and beautiful. I prefer cooler temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s. I love sunshine but with cooler weather.
I studied Art History in college and loved it. Monet was one of the masters. I’m not a big fan of abstract art. The Summer of Roses by Edmund Blair Leighton is delightful and beautiful. I prefer cooler temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s. I love sunshine but with cooler weather.
I studied Art History in college and loved it. Monet was one of the masters. I’m not a big fan of abstract art. The Summer of Roses by Edmund Blair Leighton is delightful and beautiful. I prefer cooler temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s. I love sunshine but with cooler weather.
I studied Art History in college and loved it. Monet was one of the masters. I’m not a big fan of abstract art. The Summer of Roses by Edmund Blair Leighton is delightful and beautiful. I prefer cooler temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s. I love sunshine but with cooler weather.
Gorgeous, Susan! I particularly like the Sorolla painting of the two women walking on the beach. The brilliant white of their gowns made the heat palpable, as you said.
Gorgeous, Susan! I particularly like the Sorolla painting of the two women walking on the beach. The brilliant white of their gowns made the heat palpable, as you said.
Gorgeous, Susan! I particularly like the Sorolla painting of the two women walking on the beach. The brilliant white of their gowns made the heat palpable, as you said.
Gorgeous, Susan! I particularly like the Sorolla painting of the two women walking on the beach. The brilliant white of their gowns made the heat palpable, as you said.
Gorgeous, Susan! I particularly like the Sorolla painting of the two women walking on the beach. The brilliant white of their gowns made the heat palpable, as you said.
Lovely pictures. I especially like that Roman mural. I keep thinking that would be a lovely way to decorate a room — say an apartment dining area with no window. Now if only I could paint…
Lovely pictures. I especially like that Roman mural. I keep thinking that would be a lovely way to decorate a room — say an apartment dining area with no window. Now if only I could paint…
Lovely pictures. I especially like that Roman mural. I keep thinking that would be a lovely way to decorate a room — say an apartment dining area with no window. Now if only I could paint…
Lovely pictures. I especially like that Roman mural. I keep thinking that would be a lovely way to decorate a room — say an apartment dining area with no window. Now if only I could paint…
Lovely pictures. I especially like that Roman mural. I keep thinking that would be a lovely way to decorate a room — say an apartment dining area with no window. Now if only I could paint…
It’s winter here, but I’m enjoying the summer images. One of my favorites is The Arbour by Australian artist E. Phillips Fox. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-20/the-arbour-e-phillips-fox/6633306
And another also by him is The Ferry:
https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/8171/
It’s winter here, but I’m enjoying the summer images. One of my favorites is The Arbour by Australian artist E. Phillips Fox. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-20/the-arbour-e-phillips-fox/6633306
And another also by him is The Ferry:
https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/8171/
It’s winter here, but I’m enjoying the summer images. One of my favorites is The Arbour by Australian artist E. Phillips Fox. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-20/the-arbour-e-phillips-fox/6633306
And another also by him is The Ferry:
https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/8171/
It’s winter here, but I’m enjoying the summer images. One of my favorites is The Arbour by Australian artist E. Phillips Fox. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-20/the-arbour-e-phillips-fox/6633306
And another also by him is The Ferry:
https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/8171/
It’s winter here, but I’m enjoying the summer images. One of my favorites is The Arbour by Australian artist E. Phillips Fox. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-20/the-arbour-e-phillips-fox/6633306
And another also by him is The Ferry:
https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/8171/
What a wonderful post, Susan! I’d happily have the mural or any of the paintings in my home.
What a wonderful post, Susan! I’d happily have the mural or any of the paintings in my home.
What a wonderful post, Susan! I’d happily have the mural or any of the paintings in my home.
What a wonderful post, Susan! I’d happily have the mural or any of the paintings in my home.
What a wonderful post, Susan! I’d happily have the mural or any of the paintings in my home.
I was born in the summer so I do appreciate sunny days but not the oppressive heat and humidity. I am so grateful for central air conditioning as we live outside of Atlanta, GA. Growing up in Connecticut, we only had a window air conditioner and it was never cool enough for me! I loved seeing the beautiful works of art,especially “Summer Roses”.
I was born in the summer so I do appreciate sunny days but not the oppressive heat and humidity. I am so grateful for central air conditioning as we live outside of Atlanta, GA. Growing up in Connecticut, we only had a window air conditioner and it was never cool enough for me! I loved seeing the beautiful works of art,especially “Summer Roses”.
I was born in the summer so I do appreciate sunny days but not the oppressive heat and humidity. I am so grateful for central air conditioning as we live outside of Atlanta, GA. Growing up in Connecticut, we only had a window air conditioner and it was never cool enough for me! I loved seeing the beautiful works of art,especially “Summer Roses”.
I was born in the summer so I do appreciate sunny days but not the oppressive heat and humidity. I am so grateful for central air conditioning as we live outside of Atlanta, GA. Growing up in Connecticut, we only had a window air conditioner and it was never cool enough for me! I loved seeing the beautiful works of art,especially “Summer Roses”.
I was born in the summer so I do appreciate sunny days but not the oppressive heat and humidity. I am so grateful for central air conditioning as we live outside of Atlanta, GA. Growing up in Connecticut, we only had a window air conditioner and it was never cool enough for me! I loved seeing the beautiful works of art,especially “Summer Roses”.
Some absolutely gorgeous pictures here. Thanks for sharing. Here in southern Ireland we’re suppose to have Summer now. We’re getting an odd good day here and there. Warm this past week but the nights still getting cool. I’ve just heard a weather warning for tomorrow for torrential rain!! Our weekends always seem to be bad.
I don’t like it too hot. Can’t take the heat but I could do with a bit better than we have at the moment.
Some absolutely gorgeous pictures here. Thanks for sharing. Here in southern Ireland we’re suppose to have Summer now. We’re getting an odd good day here and there. Warm this past week but the nights still getting cool. I’ve just heard a weather warning for tomorrow for torrential rain!! Our weekends always seem to be bad.
I don’t like it too hot. Can’t take the heat but I could do with a bit better than we have at the moment.
Some absolutely gorgeous pictures here. Thanks for sharing. Here in southern Ireland we’re suppose to have Summer now. We’re getting an odd good day here and there. Warm this past week but the nights still getting cool. I’ve just heard a weather warning for tomorrow for torrential rain!! Our weekends always seem to be bad.
I don’t like it too hot. Can’t take the heat but I could do with a bit better than we have at the moment.
Some absolutely gorgeous pictures here. Thanks for sharing. Here in southern Ireland we’re suppose to have Summer now. We’re getting an odd good day here and there. Warm this past week but the nights still getting cool. I’ve just heard a weather warning for tomorrow for torrential rain!! Our weekends always seem to be bad.
I don’t like it too hot. Can’t take the heat but I could do with a bit better than we have at the moment.
Some absolutely gorgeous pictures here. Thanks for sharing. Here in southern Ireland we’re suppose to have Summer now. We’re getting an odd good day here and there. Warm this past week but the nights still getting cool. I’ve just heard a weather warning for tomorrow for torrential rain!! Our weekends always seem to be bad.
I don’t like it too hot. Can’t take the heat but I could do with a bit better than we have at the moment.
You forgot Carl Larssen. He’s my favorite painter of home and family.
You forgot Carl Larssen. He’s my favorite painter of home and family.
You forgot Carl Larssen. He’s my favorite painter of home and family.
You forgot Carl Larssen. He’s my favorite painter of home and family.
You forgot Carl Larssen. He’s my favorite painter of home and family.
I agree with Mary T. Heat, humidity, bugs, weeds that need picking – it seems summer presents way too many things I want to avoid. But the paintings were lovely — almost enough to make me think maybe there are good things about summer, after all. Thanks, Susan!
I agree with Mary T. Heat, humidity, bugs, weeds that need picking – it seems summer presents way too many things I want to avoid. But the paintings were lovely — almost enough to make me think maybe there are good things about summer, after all. Thanks, Susan!
I agree with Mary T. Heat, humidity, bugs, weeds that need picking – it seems summer presents way too many things I want to avoid. But the paintings were lovely — almost enough to make me think maybe there are good things about summer, after all. Thanks, Susan!
I agree with Mary T. Heat, humidity, bugs, weeds that need picking – it seems summer presents way too many things I want to avoid. But the paintings were lovely — almost enough to make me think maybe there are good things about summer, after all. Thanks, Susan!
I agree with Mary T. Heat, humidity, bugs, weeds that need picking – it seems summer presents way too many things I want to avoid. But the paintings were lovely — almost enough to make me think maybe there are good things about summer, after all. Thanks, Susan!
Thank you Annie. The Ferry is new to me and I love it! Don’t you want to tell the woman already in the boat to sit down? And reassure the one is trying to embark? The colours are wonderful too.
Thank you Annie. The Ferry is new to me and I love it! Don’t you want to tell the woman already in the boat to sit down? And reassure the one is trying to embark? The colours are wonderful too.
Thank you Annie. The Ferry is new to me and I love it! Don’t you want to tell the woman already in the boat to sit down? And reassure the one is trying to embark? The colours are wonderful too.
Thank you Annie. The Ferry is new to me and I love it! Don’t you want to tell the woman already in the boat to sit down? And reassure the one is trying to embark? The colours are wonderful too.
Thank you Annie. The Ferry is new to me and I love it! Don’t you want to tell the woman already in the boat to sit down? And reassure the one is trying to embark? The colours are wonderful too.
I love summer especially now that we are in winter in Australia. I loved the artworks and definitely appreciate having McCubbin included. Unfortunately it’s a rainy winners day today but last week we had McCubbin weather.
I love summer especially now that we are in winter in Australia. I loved the artworks and definitely appreciate having McCubbin included. Unfortunately it’s a rainy winners day today but last week we had McCubbin weather.
I love summer especially now that we are in winter in Australia. I loved the artworks and definitely appreciate having McCubbin included. Unfortunately it’s a rainy winners day today but last week we had McCubbin weather.
I love summer especially now that we are in winter in Australia. I loved the artworks and definitely appreciate having McCubbin included. Unfortunately it’s a rainy winners day today but last week we had McCubbin weather.
I love summer especially now that we are in winter in Australia. I loved the artworks and definitely appreciate having McCubbin included. Unfortunately it’s a rainy winners day today but last week we had McCubbin weather.
I love summer for all the fresh fruit and vegetables it brings: cucumbers, fresh peas, lots of salads, strawberries, cherries, raspberries … you get the idea.
Heat during the day doesn’t bother me too much, especially since heat here normally means about 30 degrees maximum.
But heat at night, that is another matter. Nice warm evenings, yes. But please let me have cool nights. (And I do realize that the two are somewhat incompatible).
So I suppose my summer might look a little like an Arcomboldo picture, although I don’t really like his pictures too much.
I love summer for all the fresh fruit and vegetables it brings: cucumbers, fresh peas, lots of salads, strawberries, cherries, raspberries … you get the idea.
Heat during the day doesn’t bother me too much, especially since heat here normally means about 30 degrees maximum.
But heat at night, that is another matter. Nice warm evenings, yes. But please let me have cool nights. (And I do realize that the two are somewhat incompatible).
So I suppose my summer might look a little like an Arcomboldo picture, although I don’t really like his pictures too much.
I love summer for all the fresh fruit and vegetables it brings: cucumbers, fresh peas, lots of salads, strawberries, cherries, raspberries … you get the idea.
Heat during the day doesn’t bother me too much, especially since heat here normally means about 30 degrees maximum.
But heat at night, that is another matter. Nice warm evenings, yes. But please let me have cool nights. (And I do realize that the two are somewhat incompatible).
So I suppose my summer might look a little like an Arcomboldo picture, although I don’t really like his pictures too much.
I love summer for all the fresh fruit and vegetables it brings: cucumbers, fresh peas, lots of salads, strawberries, cherries, raspberries … you get the idea.
Heat during the day doesn’t bother me too much, especially since heat here normally means about 30 degrees maximum.
But heat at night, that is another matter. Nice warm evenings, yes. But please let me have cool nights. (And I do realize that the two are somewhat incompatible).
So I suppose my summer might look a little like an Arcomboldo picture, although I don’t really like his pictures too much.
I love summer for all the fresh fruit and vegetables it brings: cucumbers, fresh peas, lots of salads, strawberries, cherries, raspberries … you get the idea.
Heat during the day doesn’t bother me too much, especially since heat here normally means about 30 degrees maximum.
But heat at night, that is another matter. Nice warm evenings, yes. But please let me have cool nights. (And I do realize that the two are somewhat incompatible).
So I suppose my summer might look a little like an Arcomboldo picture, although I don’t really like his pictures too much.