Richard Wilson was born near Machynlleth in 1713. He is often called the ‘father’ of landscape painting in Britain. He influenced many of the great artists who came after him, including Turner and Constable. He studied in Italy, where classical artists often painted imaginary landscapes or changed details so that views would be ideal and balanced. However, Wilson was interested in the real landscape, especially when he came home to Wales. He combined the idea of balance with his love of nature.