By Martha Tedeschi with Kristi Dahm; contributions by Judith Walsh and Karen Huang
The American painter Winslow Homer (1836–1910) created some of the most breathtaking and influential watercolors in the history of the medium. This handsome volume, occasioned by an exhibition of his work, provides a comprehensive look at Homer's technical and artistic practice as a watercolorist, and at the experiences that shaped his remarkable development.
Focusing on 25 rarely seen watercolors from the Art Institute's collection, along with other related watercolors, gouaches, drawings, and paintings, the book proposes a new understanding of Homer's techniques as they evolved over his career.
Accessibly written essays consider each of the featured works in detail, examining the relationship between monochrome drawing and watercolor and the artist's lifelong interest in new optical and color theories. In particular, they show how his many travels shaped his materials, techniques, and subjects. Conservators address the fragility of Homer's watercolors, which are prone to fading due to light exposure, and demonstrate how the works have changed over time. Several of Homer's greatest watercolors are digitally "restored," providing an exhilarating glimpse of the original impact of his groundbreaking color experiments.
Exhibition:
February 16–May 10, 2008
The Art Institute of Chicago 2008
11 3/8 x 10 in.; 224 pages; 180 color illustrations
Hardcover $45.00 ISBN 978-0-300-11945-9
Softcover $29.95 ISBN 978-0-86559-226-1
Order online from the Art Institute Museum Shop or call 1-800-905-8537.
Available to booksellers at wholesale prices from Yale University Press.
Related exhibition: Watercolors by Winslow Homer.
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