John Varley

John Varley 1778-1842, English painter in watercolor; one of the founders of the Old Water Colour Society. He is best known for his paintings of Welsh mountain country. He was also an influential teacher, an astrologer, and a writer; among his writings are Landscape Design (1816) and A Treatise on Zodiacal Physiognomy (1828), which was inspired by works of William Blake, a good friend. His work is well represented at the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum.

Varley, John (1778–1842). English landscape painter in watercolour, a protégé of Dr Monro. Varley represents the transition between tinted topographical drawing and the bolder, more fully developed manner of watercolour painting characteristic of the 19th century. As well as being a leading painter, he was the most popular and enthusiastic teacher of his day; his pupils included Cox, De Wint, Linnell, Mulready (his brother-in-law), and Samuel Palmer, and he published various instructional works. He also wrote a treatise on astrology (1828), a subject in which he had an obsessive interest. His eccentricities helped endear him to William Blake, who was a close friend. In spite of his success, Varley constantly had money problems (he had a large family and an improvident wife) and he was imprisoned for debt on several occasions. His brothers Cornelius (1781–1873) and William (1785–1856) and his sister Elizabeth (1783–1864) were also watercolourists, and several descendants carried on the family tradition.

Varley, John (b London, 17 Aug. 1778; d London, 17 Nov. 1842). English landscape painter in watercolour, a protégé of Dr Monro. Varley represents the transition between tinted topographical drawing and the bolder, more fully developed manner of watercolour painting characteristic of the 19th century. As well as being a leading painter, he was the most popular and enthusiastic teacher of his day; his pupils included Cox, De Wint, Linnell, Mulready (his brother-in-law), and Palmer, and he published various instructional works. He also wrote a treatise on astrology (1828), a subject in which he had an obsessive interest. His eccentricities helped endear him to William Blake, who was a close friend. In spite of his success, Varley constantly had money problems (he had a large family and an improvident wife) and he was imprisoned for debt on several occasions. His brothers Cornelius (1781–1873) and William (1785–1856) and his sister Elizabeth (1783–1864), Mulready's wife, were also watercolourists, and several descendants carried on the family tradition.