I've always been fascinated with the Hudson River School Painters and although their painting style was only "in vogue" for a generation and a half, the epic works of Fredrick Church and Thomas Cole still hang in the country's finest museums, many of which are works of epic proportions. These two painters along with a group of painters known as "The Ten," made pivotal contributions to the American painting movement.
This fall, we drove to the Hudson Valley, traveling through the picturesque hills, ravines and riversides that inspired Thomas Cole and Fredrick Church. The Cole Homestead was modest but beautifully situated on a hillside where his veranda had sweeping views of the Catskill Mountains - inspiring scenes he had painted.
We toured the home, the grounds and his studio. Here we got to see the four 1840 studies he executed in preparation for the renown paintings at the National Gallery in Washington, DC that comprise the "Voyage of Life" series.
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| Thomas Cole Voyage of Life Studies in Cole Studio |
There is something special about standing in the same physical spot as a historical figure who lived, worked and touched the very work you are looking at!
Thomas Cole's protege, Fredrick Church built his homestead nearby. Not modest! It was a hilltop mansion across the Hudson from Cole that was enormous by comparison. Church was a wealthy world traveler and collector. The emphasis of his estate tour was more his status and lifestyle, but there were many beautiful paintings to see as well. We painted from the location of Church's studio, a west facing vantage with views of his property leading down to the Hudson River.
These two painters made their mark on the entire area. When we hiked at the Kaaterskill Falls some of the trail markers had images of their paintings. One Cole painting spot in particular was at the very lofty (scary!) overlook where we stood. Great trip and of course, when we get to paint - even better!
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| Catskills View |
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| Fredrick Church Studio View |
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