Jump To It

Artist Robert Henderson Blyth (Glasgow, Scotland, 1919 - 1970)

Date1965

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 101 cm, Width: 89 cm
Frame: Height: 112 cm, Width: 99.6 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1984 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG007412

Keywords

About MeRobert Henderson Blyth was born in Newlands, Glasgow in 1919. He studied at Glasgow School of Art and at Hospitalfield, Arbroath under James Cowie. Later he taught at Edinburgh Art College and in 1954 took up the post of Head of Drawing and Painting at Grays School of Art, Aberdeen.

Although best known for his lyrical landscapes, which so vividly evoke the atmosphere of the Scottish countryside, R. Henderson Blyth also painted many other aspects of life in Scotland, including scenes of tenements, figures - even the zoo.

"Jump to it" has the spontaneity of a newspaper photograph: Blyth has applied thick layers of paint, as if in a great hurry. With its strong vertical, diagonal and horizontal lines of goal posts, cross bar and touch line, the composition is given a feeling of lively action. The impression of movement is further enhanced by the three central figures who all leap up for the ball. In the background a footballer from the opposing team hurries across the scene - like a stick figure from a painting by L.S. Lowry.

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Blyth has used thick, apparently hurried brush strokes to capture this scene. How does it compare to other action-packed artworks you have seen?