Stanley Cursiter and the Colors of Orkney
By Ami Melville
The Orkney Islands, which lay off the northeastern coast of Scotland, carry an archaeological and social history as vast as the sea surrounding them. From the Pictish stones signifying the remains of the medieval Pictish culture to countless oral folklore traditions, this archipelago holds an invaluable place in the history of the British Isles. Orkney is additionally known for its visually striking landscape composed of dramatic, lush cliffs and white-capped waves, which had a lasting influence on artists near and far.
20th century Futurist and Kirkwall native Stanley Cursiter (1887-1976), a pioneer of introducing Post-impressionism to Scotland who served as the director of the National Galleries of Scotland, reflected his affinity for his homeland through his oil and watercolor landscapes of Orkney. While particularly known for his portraits, Cursiter details the colorful and dynamic land through a rich color palette and careful precision in his later works.
Stanley Cursiter, The Kame of Hoy (1950). National Galleries of Scotland. Oil on canvas.
The Kame of Hoy demonstrates the physical characteristics of Orkney Cursiter desires to convey to the viewer. The pastel-toned sky evokes a calmness that merges seamlessly with the gentle slopes of green grass covering the drastic cliffs, the jagged edges of which plunge down towards the richly pigmented sea. The movement of the water is evident through how it interacts with the offshore rocks, but it conveys harmony of nature rather than opposing forces. In the foreground, the historic layers of sedimentary rocks are emphasized through shadows caused by the midday sun. The viewer is close enough to see the carefully articulated details of the physical land, yet far enough away to discern a complete picture of the land and sea of Orkney. Cursitor adds to these senses of awe and size through two miniscule figures, who sit by the water’s edge on the rocky shore. To the viewer, the cliffs ahead are massive; these figures then invite them to wonder how grand the landscape must look from their location by the sea.
Stanley Cursiter, Surf (1937). RSA Diploma Collect deposit. Oil on canvas.
In Surf, Cursitor presents the dynamic forces of nature that reside around the islands. The sea meets the jagged land in a white-capped battle, the rapid water flowing through the evolved cracks of the rock. The cyan hues behind the waves highlight their power and connect them to the deeper seas away from shore. Cursitor has captured a dynamic moment in time on a timeless canvas, preserving the awe-striking natural surroundings of Orkney in this piece.
Stanley Cursiter, Hoy from Yesnaby (1930). Location unknown. Oil on canvas.
In Hoy from Yesnaby, Cursiter employs a warmer color palette that radiates warmth and sentimentality. The puffy clouds feel rich and full as Cursiter utilizes circular brush motions in their representation. The larger cliffs lay off in the distance, muted by the clouded sky above and eclipsed by the colorful foreground. Here, several hues harmonize to create dynamic grass beds that roll over the rocky surface. Cursiter uses strokes of orange and evergreen mixed with the faded grass to convey depth and lowlights in the landscape.
This piece particularly alludes to Cursiter’s fondness for his homeland. He places the viewer above the land, like they are looking out over the vast, dynamic landscape. There is clear distinction between the land and sea, and Cursiter is careful to distinguish specific features of each through his precise dedication. Additionally, the muted and warm tones of his palette are reminiscent of a colored photograph, as if he has painted this landscape as a picture from his memory of Orkney. While color photographs were still relatively uncommon in the 1930s, the few that existed parallel the hue of Hoy from Yesnaby.
Stanley Cursiter was a prolific artist who garnered much attention and praise for both his work in the artistic sphere and on his canvases. However, he never forgot the impact his unique hometown had on his visual perspective, and articulated memories of the Orkney landscape through his later pieces.
Bibliography
Cursiter, Stanley. “The Kame of Hoy.” National Galleries of Scotland. National Galleries of Scotland. Accessed January 30, 2023. https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/465?artists%5B3030%5D=3030&search_set_offset=4.
“Stanley Cursiter.” Lyon & Turnbull. Accessed January 30, 2023. https://www.lyonandturnbull.com/artist/stanley-cursiter/.
“Stanley Cursiter (1887-1976) Hoy from Yesnaby.” Stanley Cursiter (1887-1976), Hoy from Yesnaby. Accessed January 30, 2023. https://jamesalder.co.uk/stanley-cursiter/orkney-Hoy/.