This is a beautiful work by master artist George Inness, the second in a series of painting with the masters I am sharing on the blog. Here is a link to the first one by Sanford Robinson Gifford.

I like the softness and subtlety of the values, and how the composition leads you into the background and around to the house. I can almost feel the chill in the air and smell the smoke coming out of the chimney. Don't you just want to see what's cooking on the stove? I think good art takes us places like that.

So here is my version. I learned how difficult it is to match value and temperature and not overwork something so it loses the freshness and intention. Even now as I am staring at his work, I see so much subtlety that is missing from my work. And my composition is a little off from his. But this is why I have taken up this project, I believe there is no better teacher than the ones who have come before, eh?

Beth Cole after George Inness, Home at Montclair

Next I'll be trying a work by Albert Bierstadt, he is a little more representational but I will give it a go and see what happens.

Thanks for coming along on my painting journey. I am grateful for you.

--Beth Cole

Art + Such Blog by Beth Cole

Painting With The Masters - George Inness