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Student Artwork Guide

Storm Clouds

David Bomberg, 1932

Name Class Date
David Bomberg, Storm Clouds (1932), Salford Museum - Art Gallery. Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
David Bomberg allpaintingsstore.com/en/artists/david-bomberg/
Artist’s dates
1890 – 1957
Painted
1932
Original size
65 x 75 cm
Movement
Vorticism
Period
Modern
Held at
Salford Museum - Art Gallery allpaintingsstore.com/en/museums/salford-museum-art-gallery-greater-manchester/
Artistic style
Landscape painting
Notable elements
Lush greenery, scattered clouds
Subject or theme
Mountain landscape and nature

Copyright This work is still under copyright. David Bomberg died in 1957; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it remains in force until 2027. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.

Source: AllPaintingsStore.com — accessed Oct. 5, 2026

Storm Clouds — David Bomberg Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Storm Clouds — David Bomberg

How big is it?

The original measures 65 × 75 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1890
  2. 1900
  3. 1910
  4. 1920
  5. 1930
  6. 1940
  7. 1950

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 67 at death.

Painted when the artist was 42. The artist lived to 67. 53 of the 100 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of David Bomberg (1890–1957) ▲ this work, 1932 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1920 Main working years: 1920–1942 Late works: from 1942

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/similar/david-bomberg-storm-clouds-AQSFUL-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Quinacridone Magenta #706158

    Catalogued palette

    • #706158
    • #9A837A
    • #453F32
    • #C5B9A8

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Quinacridone Magenta
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Balanced How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Softly Mixed Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Balanced How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Subtle Color How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by David Bomberg over the last twelve months — 5 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 89.1%
    2. 2 United States of America 4.3%
    3. 3 Bulgaria 2.2%
    4. 4 Spain 2.2%
    5. 5 Paraguay 2.2%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 20 most looked-at works by David Bomberg

    1. 1 Ju Jitsu, 1913 5.2%
    2. 2 The Mud Bath 5.2%
    3. 3 Mount Saint Hilarion and the Castle Ruins, 1948 5.2%
    4. 4 Alora, Andalucia, 1935 5.2%
    5. 5 Composition, 1919 5.2%
    6. 6 Sappers at Work : Canadian Tunnelling Company, R14, St Eloi, 1919 3.4%
    7. 7 Ronda, Spain, 1957 3.4%
    8. 8 Trendrine, Cornwall, 1947 3.4%
    9. 9 Double Self Portrait (recto), 1937 3.4%
    10. 10 The St John Ophthalmic Hospital, Jerusalem, 1927 3.4%
    11. 11 Canal Bank, France, 1920 3.4%
    12. 12 Flowers, Evening Gold, 1947 3.4%
    13. 13 Kitty, the Artist's Sister, 1929 3.4%
    14. 14 Study for Ghetto Theatre I, 1921 3.4%
    15. 15 David Bomberg, 1937 3.4%
    16. 16 The Broken Aqueduct, Wadi Kelt near Jericho, 1926 1.7%
    17. 17 Flowers in Sunlight, 1943 1.7%
    18. 18 Bideford, Devon, 1946 1.7%
    19. 19 Ronda Bridge, Spain, 1935 1.7%
    20. — Storm Clouds, 1932 this painting 0.0%

    Together these works take 66.8% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 109 works by this artist, of which 38 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: AllPaintingsStore.com — accessed Oct. 5, 2026

    Storm Clouds — David Bomberg Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Storm Clouds — David Bomberg

    A Symphony of Nature: The Majesty of Storm Clouds

    In the evocative landscape of David Bomberg, nature is never merely a backdrop; it is a living, breathing protagonist. His 1932 masterpiece, Storm Clouds, invites the viewer into a realm where the terrestrial and the celestial collide in a breathtaking display of raw power and quietude. The painting captures a majestic mountain range, draped in lush greenery, rising with silent strength against an expansive sky. Scattered clouds drift across the firmament, acting as brushstrokes of light and shadow that lend a profound sense of depth and dimension to the composition. This is not just a depiction of scenery, but a window into the very soul of the earth, where every peak and valley tells a story of endurance and timeless beauty.

    The technique employed in this work reflects Bomberg’s sophisticated command over form and atmosphere. Through a masterful application of color and texture, the artist achieves a remarkable balance between movement and stillness. The palette is carefully curated to evoke a sense of tranquility; soft greens and earthy tones ground the viewer in the physical reality of the mountains, while the shifting grays and whites of the clouds introduce a dynamic, ethereal quality. For the discerning collector or interior designer, this piece offers a unique opportunity to introduce a focal point that possesses both weight and lightness—a work that commands attention through its subtle complexities rather than through overt spectacle.

    Historical Resonance and Emotional Depth

    To understand Storm Clouds, one must consider the artistic lineage of David Bomberg. As a prominent figure among the 'Whitechapel Boys,' Bomberg’s journey was shaped by the radical energies of early 20th-century modernism, including the influences of Cubism and the structural lessons of Cézanne. Yet, in this particular work, we see a departure from the purely geometric toward a more organic, emotive expressionism. The painting serves as a testament to his ability to synthesize the structured lessons of his training with a deep, spiritual connection to the natural world. It captures a moment of atmospheric tension—the breath held before a storm—creating an emotional resonance that is both unsettling and deeply peaceful.

    For those seeking to curate a space of reflection and inspiration, this reproduction offers more than mere decoration; it provides an atmosphere. The interplay of light through the clouds and the solid permanence of the mountains create a sanctuary of serenity within any room. Whether placed in a contemporary gallery-style living area or a classic study, Storm Clouds acts as a meditative anchor, reminding us of the sublime beauty that exists in the fleeting moments of our natural world. It is an investment in artistry that brings the enduring spirit of the landscape into the intimacy of the home.

    Source: AllPaintingsStore.com — accessed Oct. 5, 2026

    Storm Clouds — David Bomberg Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    David Bomberg

    Born in Birmingham, United Kingdom

    Early Life and Artistic Training

    Born: Birmingham, United Kingdom (December 5, 1890)

    Died: London, United Kingdom (August 19, 1957)

    One of the 'Whitechapel Boys' – a group of East End artists who emerged in the early 20th century.

    Born to Polish-Jewish immigrant parents, Abraham and Rebecca Bomberg, initially studied at the City and Guilds Technical Art School before training as a lithographer in Birmingham.

    Studied under Walter Sickert at Westminster School of Art (1908-1910), influenced by Sickert's focus on form and urban life. Significant exposure to Paul Cézanne through the 1910 Roger Fry exhibition "Manet and the Post-Impressionists." Attended the Slade School of Art (1911), winning the Tonks Prize for his drawing of fellow student Isaac Rosenberg.

    The Avant-Garde Years: Cubism, Futurism, and Controversy

    At the Slade, Bomberg was part of a remarkable generation including Mark Gertler, Stanley Spencer, C.R.W. Nevinson, and Dora Carrington.

    Influenced by the 1912 London exhibitions of Italian Futurists and Fry's second Post-Impressionist exhibition (Picasso, Matisse, Fauvists, Wyndham Lewis).

    Developed a distinctive style combining Cubism and Futurism – characterized by geometric compositions, limited color palettes, angular figures, and grid-like structures.

    His radical approach led to expulsion from the Slade School of Art in 1913, deemed too audacious for the institution's conventional methods.

    Briefly associated with Bloomsbury Group’s Omega Workshops and exhibited with the Camden Town Group. Showed affinity with Wyndham Lewis’s Vorticist movement but remained independent, refusing full involvement.

    From War to Landscape: A Shift in Style

    Experiences as a private soldier during World War I profoundly impacted his artistic vision, leading to a move away from abstraction.

    The 1920s saw Bomberg adopt a more figurative style, focusing on portraits and landscapes drawn directly from nature. Developed an increasingly expressionist technique, marked by textured impasto and emotional intensity.

    Extensive travels through the Middle East (particularly Palestine) and Europe significantly influenced his later work. His depictions of Jerusalem are particularly notable.

    Later Years and Legacy

    From 1945 to 1953, taught at Borough Polytechnic (now London South Bank University), influencing a generation of artists including Frank Auerbach, Leon Kossoff, Philip Holmes, Cliff Holden, Edna Mann, Dorothy Mead, Gustav Metzger, Dennis Creffield, Cecil Bailey and Miles Richmond.

    Married landscape painter Lilian Holt.

    Despite periods of relative obscurity during his lifetime, Bomberg's work has gained increasing recognition in recent decades as a significant contribution to British modern art.

    David Bomberg House at London South Bank University is named in his honor.

    His legacy lies in his unique synthesis of European avant-garde movements and his later development of a powerful, expressive landscape style that captured the essence of place and human experience.

    Museum

    Salford Museum - Art Gallery

    On show in Greater Manchester, United Kingdom

    A Victorian Legacy Preserved: Exploring Salford Museum & Art Gallery

    Salford Museum & Art Gallery stands as a testament to both artistic heritage and local identity, nestled in the heart of Greater Manchester. Founded in 1850 as Britain’s first free public library—a bold vision for its time—the museum resides within Lark Hill House, a magnificent mansion constructed in 1790 that now serves as an evocative backdrop to its remarkable collections. More than just bricks and mortar, Lark Hill embodies the spirit of Victorian ambition and philanthropy, mirroring the values underpinning the institution’s enduring mission.

    Architectural Significance:

    The mansion's Georgian façade speaks volumes about the era’s aesthetic sensibilities—symmetry, grandeur, and meticulous craftsmanship are hallmarks of its design. Its interior spaces have been thoughtfully preserved, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the atmosphere of Victorian society.

    A Journey Through Time:

    Lark Hill Place, a meticulously recreated Victorian streetscape, isn’t merely decorative; it's an immersive educational tool. Visitors can wander amongst period shops and residences, gaining firsthand insight into daily life during the 1890s—a fascinating contrast to the modern cityscape surrounding it.

    Celebrating Artistic Diversity: The Museum’s Collection Highlights

    Salford’s artistic treasures span centuries, reflecting influences from across Europe and beyond. The Paintings Gallery houses masterpieces by artists ranging from Romantic painters like John Constable to Impressionists experimenting with light and color. Examining these canvases reveals not only stylistic evolution but also the cultural preoccupations of their respective times—themes of landscape, portraiture, and mythology are recurring motifs.

    Ceramic Excellence:

    The Ceramics Collection showcases a stunning progression in pottery techniques and artistic expression. From Staffordshire porcelain to Wedgwood stoneware, each piece tells a story about industrial innovation and decorative artistry.

    Decorative Arts Showcase:

    Explore exquisitely crafted furniture pieces—Victorian sofas upholstered in velvet and mahogany tables adorned with inlaid marquetry—alongside textiles featuring intricate floral patterns and vibrant hues. These objects illuminate the tastes of Victorian elites and demonstrate the skill of artisans working at the forefront of their craft.

    More Than Just Exhibits: Engaging Experiences

    Salford Museum & Art Gallery distinguishes itself through its commitment to fostering connections between art and community. Regular events, including artist talks and workshops, provide opportunities for visitors to engage directly with artistic ideas and practices. Furthermore, the ‘Relax with Art’ sessions offer a tranquil space for contemplation and reflection—a welcome respite from the bustle of urban life.

    Accessibility & Community Focus:

    Admission is free, reflecting the museum's dedication to inclusivity and ensuring that art appreciation remains accessible to all.

    Supporting Local Talent:

    The Museum’s Shop offers a curated selection of gifts inspired by Salford’s artistic heritage—a tangible reminder of the museum’s mission to celebrate creativity.

    A Destination for Inspiration

    Whether you're an art historian researching Victorian aesthetics, an interior designer seeking inspiration for elegant spaces, or simply someone captivated by history and beauty, Salford Museum & Art Gallery promises a rewarding experience. Its unique blend of architectural grandeur, artistic diversity, and community engagement makes it a truly exceptional cultural institution.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Storm Clouds

    allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/download/david-bomberg-storm-clouds-AQSFUL-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Bomberg, David. Storm Clouds. 1932, Salford Museum - Art Gallery. https://allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/david-bomberg-storm-clouds-AQSFUL-en/
    APA
    Bomberg, David (1932). Storm Clouds [Painting]. Salford Museum - Art Gallery. https://allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/david-bomberg-storm-clouds-AQSFUL-en/
    Chicago
    David Bomberg. Storm Clouds. 1932. Salford Museum - Art Gallery. https://allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/david-bomberg-storm-clouds-AQSFUL-en/
    Harvard
    Bomberg, David (1932) Storm Clouds. Salford Museum - Art Gallery. Available at: https://allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/david-bomberg-storm-clouds-AQSFUL-en/

    Source: AllPaintingsStore.com — accessed Oct. 5, 2026

    Storm Clouds — David Bomberg Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Storm Clouds — David Bomberg

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: mountains, clouds, trees. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Study for Ghetto Theatre I (1921), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. David Bomberg was about 42 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: AllPaintingsStore.com — accessed Oct. 5, 2026

    Storm Clouds — David Bomberg Part 5 · Look closely

    Questions & Answers

    Is "Storm Clouds" typical of what David Bomberg usually created?

    "Storm Clouds" depicts mountains, clouds, trees, greenery, sky, landscape, while David Bomberg's recorded themes are cézanne influence, post-impressionist elements, nature's majesty, landscape exploration, early avant-garde style. Comparing the two shows how the work relates to the artist's usual subjects.

    What print size of "Storm Clouds" by David Bomberg fits the recommended room?

    In a living room, "Storm Clouds" is suggested at a medium print size.

    What mood and emotion come together in "Storm Clouds"?

    "Storm Clouds" by David Bomberg conveys a tranquil feeling within an overall serene mood.