Winslow Homer

Lately, I've been spending some time looking at the great Winslow Homer's paintings.

Often times I'm reminded of the strong impression they had on me at an early age.

While reviewing some of his biographical information, I learned that he took pride in his detachment from his painting practice. A friend was once heard, describing how Homer gladly would take on just about any project that he was going to get paid for, but simultaneously he never really felt compelled to paint on a regular basis.

We never know exactly what somebody's thinking or feeling, but apparently there was some evidence that supported this.

Apparently, when Winslow Homer passed away, and his estate was settled, unlike other notable painters of his day, there were very few remnant sketchbooks and paintings sitting within his studio. Far fewer for example then painters like Turner and Monet.

In the case of Turner, it was suggested that he had well over 20,000 sketches scattered throughout his studio and his estate.

No matter, the motive behind Homer's work, it is undoubtedly of the highest quality and quite impressive.

As such, I feel, there's much to learn by incorporating Winslow Homer's works into my long-term series, "study the greats."

Here's a thumbnail sketch study of "Northeaster" just focusing on a section of the original painting. The sketch was completed in multicolored, ballpoint pen with some select use of white gesso.