American Art Comes Of Age

The Old Oak by George Inness

How much the American art world owes to George Inness can never be computed. At a time when men were painting anemic, emasculated transcripts of nature, he had the courage to break away from traditions, set out on a path he blazed for himself, and to stand on his own theories evolved after serious thought, analysis, and experimentation. Discovered in his studio after his death were literally thousands of unfinished works, sketches, and studies. His life was given to his art as truly as anyone could have.

With him painting was the single motivating force in his life. His mind was occupied night and day with new schemes, fresh theories, and endless plans, with only one thought - picture making.

Inness was born in Newburg, New York in 1825, the son of a grocer. In his youth he apprenticed to an engraver but found the work too taxing. His father wanted young George to work in the grocery but by then the young man had discovered drawing and painting. He took a month of painting lessons from a local artist after which he went his own way, hampered by ill-health, poverty, and uncongenial surroundings, for American art at the time was not very inspiring.

After traveling to Europe at the age of 25, he saw the possibilities of his profession and returned home where he began to paint in a manner that immediately marked him as an innovator. Public acclaim escaped him, but his independence, his supreme belief in himself, and his passionate love of good art carried the day. Caring nothing about public opinion, he continued to paint his beloved New England until his death and infused his works with his love of nature and deep spirituality. His paintings became dramatic, poetic works of great art.

During his lifetime he made several trips to Europe and died in Scotland in 1894. He was watching a sunset and was heard to exclaim, "My God, that is beautiful!" then slumped over, dead of a stroke.

Just paint it!