Approaching Storm (1886)

Edward Mitchell Bannister's evocative 1886 landscape, *Approaching Storm*, captures the tense anticipation that shrouds natural environments just before a storm. In this painting, Bannister marries the tranquility of a pastoral scene with the dynamic energy of an oncoming storm, creating a palpable tension felt through the canvas.The composition divides both terrain and sky, suggesting an imminent clash of calm and turmoil. On the left, a deep, densely wooded area stands dark and brooding, contrasting with the right side, where lighter, more pastoral elements like a picket fence and sparser trees suggest man's attempt to tame the natural world. Central to the visual narrative is a solitary figure of a person, indistinct yet determined, almost blending into the land as they journey across the undulating fields.Above this serene yet ominous landscape looms a large, billowing cloud formation. The sky, an impressive display of chiaroscuro, balances light and shadow, with the bright blue peering through gaps in the thick, grey storm clouds, reflecting the inevitable yet transient nature of storms.Bannister's use of color and brushstroke enhances the mood: the greens, browns, and grays convey the lushness of the landscape and the gathering gloom, while touches of red and yellow amidst the verdancy hint at the resilience of life even under impending dark skies. The textured application of paint creates a richness that invites the eye to explore each inch of the canvas.