John Varley Jr. was a British artist born in 1850, known primarily for his watercolor landscapes and being part of the second generation of British watercolorists. He was the son of John Varley Sr., who was also a distinguished artist and a founding member of the Old Watercolour Society. Despite living in the shadow of his father’s reputation, Varley Jr. developed his own style and contributed to the Victorian era's watercolor tradition.
Varley Jr. received his initial training from his father, who was a respected teacher and had a significant influence on his early work. He later continued his education at the Royal Academy schools, where he honed his skills and began to emerge from his father’s influence. Varley Jr. was known for his atmospheric landscapes that often depicted the English countryside, though he also painted scenes from his travels abroad.
His work was exhibited at various institutions, including the Royal Academy, the New Watercolour Society, and elsewhere. While he never achieved the same level of fame as his father, his paintings were well-regarded by his contemporaries for their technical skill and emotive quality. John Varley Jr. continued to paint throughout his life and passed away in 1933. His contributions to British landscape watercolor painting remain part of the rich tapestry of 19th-century British art.
