Jacob van Ruisdael

Jacob van Ruisdael, pronounced like "rice-dale," painted landscapes that were rich and real. He was the master of the sublime Dutch landscape, focusing on:

• Dramatic skies: Stormy clouds, shafts of light, and expansive horizons were key.
• Detailed naturalism: Meticulous depictions of trees, water, and the rugged beauty of the Dutch countryside.
• A sense of melancholy: Often featuring crumbling ruins, isolated figures, and a feeling of nature's power and impermanence.
• Windmills - common in his art.
• Dark Palette: Use of deep greens, browns and blues to create a moody atmosphere.

Think of Ruisdael as the "ruler" of the real and ruined landscape.