Walter Langley (1852-1922) was an English painter of social realism. He centered his work on the fishing culture of SW Cornwall. He painted en plein air and often in the seaside town of Newlyn, the largest fishing port in the UK. He is credited with founding the Newlyn School with this work.

Langley’s work portrays the generations of women who were left behind to care for each other and their children while the men they loved battled the sea for their livelihoods and often lost. His delicate, pensive technique gives remarkable detail and emotion to his works. This detail reaches far into the background and takes our eyes with it.

Many who favor realism over abstraction relish the work of artists like Langley. Those who appreciate the art of all movements and schools can also. 

May we again and always give thanks for those who create around moments of joy and pain as witnesses to the lives of others. May we give thanks for their painted lessons in compassion through all times and all places as we also now hold the young woman pictured here. May we remember all who suffer and faithfully say our prayers. Amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,