Moon on Canvas

Being able to create a painting depicting the glow of the moon on canvas is not easy but these celebrated artists have created amazing paintings that make it appear the moon is shining brightly over the landscape before them.

Man and Woman Contemplating the Moon Caspar David Friedrich

German Romantic landscape artist Caspar David Friedrich was known for creating beautiful landscape paintings. This artwork is one of his most memorable. In this painting, a couple is standing on a rocky outcrop viewing the moon. You can see a tree jutting out of the hillside with the moon front and center.

Lindisfarne Castle and Abbey, Holy Island by Moonlight 1877 John Moore of Ipswich

Ipswich artist John Moore of Ipswich was considered to be a prominent seascape painter from the 19th century. This painting is one of his most memorable depicting a night view of the Castle at Lindisfarne. It is on a small island which became a northern stronghold for England. The beauty of the moon stands out illuminating a cloudy night sky reflecting on the calm waters below.

Moonlight, a study at Millbank 1797 Joseph Mallord William Turner

English artist Joseph Mallord William Turner was among the prominent English artists during the Romantic movement during the early to late 19th century. This artwork stands out for its bright full moon glowing over the Thames River at Millbank.

Road with Cypress and Star 1890 Vincent van Gogh

Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh was a prominent figure during the Post-Impressionist period. This is one of his lesser-known paintings. It is remembered for the tranquil nighttime setting with a towering cypress tree front and center and a sky with the moon and stars.

A Moonlit Evening Atkinson Grimshaw

English Victorian-era artist Atkinson Grimshaw was known for his cityscapes. In this painting, he depicts a roadway outside a large house. It is illuminated by the moon lighting up the rain-washed street and trees. A woman is seen walking along the path.

Barmouth Moonlight 1913 Christopher Williams

Welsh artist Christopher Wiliams was known for his landscapes depicting scenes in England and other areas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In this artwork, he depicts a glowing moon shining down brightly on the seaside town of Barmouth. Glowing lights from the town can be seen as well as lights of small fishing boats.

Moonlight in Naples 1842 Ivan Aivazovsky

Russian artist Ivan Aivazosky is a prominent artist known for his maritime scenes. He created maritime paintings from all over the world. This is among his most celebrated artworks. It depicts a quiet night with a glowing moon shining down on ships anchored in the harbor of the Bay of Naples.

American Artists

Nocturne, Blue, and Gold – Southampton Water 1872 James McNeill Whistler

American artist James McNeill Whistler was known for creating nocturnal settings. He painted landscapes around England and other parts of Europe. This is one of his famous paintings featuring a dark and shadowy night on the English Channel near Southampton.

Moonlit Shipwreck at Sea 1901 Thomas Moran

American artist Thomas Moran was known for his seascapes. In this artwork, you can see a tumultuous ocean with huge waves crashing to and fro beneath a night sky. The moon illuminated the raging sea and small bits of debris can be seen on the surface of the water.

Moonlight, Wood Island Light 1894 Winslow Homer

American artist Winslow Homer was a prominent figure in the art world during the 19th century. This painting was created near the shoreline in Portland, Maine a short distance from his art studio. It depicts the glow of a bright moon cast over the sea making the waves glitter.