Girl Seated In A Grove 1880

Winslow Homer made "Girl Seated In A Grove" with watercolor in 1880. Homer used watercolor to create the light and airy scene we see here. Watercolor is a very delicate medium. Mistakes are difficult to correct, and the artist has to be very deliberate with each stroke. Notice how he builds up layers of color to create depth and texture, using the white of the paper to create highlights. The effect is one of dappled sunlight filtering through the trees, and the woman’s dress is adorned with the same diffused light. Watercolor painting was often considered a 'feminine' pursuit at this time, linked to leisure and recreation. In this context, Homer challenges the traditional hierarchy of artistic mediums, elevating watercolor to create a complex and evocative scene, and inviting us to appreciate the skill and artistry involved in its making. In the end, the artwork challenges the social context of the artist, as well as of the woman he depicts.