I forgot to get the information for all of the paintings, which was silly of me. But these first paintings of the farm women are by Julien Dupre and painted in the 1700-1800s. These paintings are so vibrant, and wonderfully preserved. It really is such a beautiful collection. The museum guide said, “The Smith Collection everyone loves.. well, you’ll see.” I was intrigued, and yes we did see!

They have a gloss varnish, and you can see the texture in the light, which is why in some you’ll not see some of the details as clearly because of the overhead lights.

I love the side by side with the sketch, I would love to do a gallery wall someday with side by side sketches and paintings because there is something so whimsical about it. It’s too bad the sketch is so faint in the image, but you can still get the idea.

This one is by far my favorite. I love the way he mutes the background colors to let the foreground sing; it gives it such an atmospheric quality. The treatment of the skirt: the texture, layers, ripples, and shadows create such a beautiful contrast with the detailed flowers. It’s so light and bright, and there’s just something about a wildflower field.

This painting, though quite reminiscent of Dupre, is by Daniel Ridgway Knight in the 1800s.

I can’t read the placard on this one (I should have got closer!) but I really love it. I told my husband that I was going to become a country and western folk painter after all of this Texan inspiration! Haha, that’s pretty doubtful, but I must say I am enjoying the western art even more than I thought I would.

Forgot to get the details on this one, but I believe it is student art. From far away this really reads as a detailed tapestry, and then up close you realize it is a watercolor painting. I think that’s just fabulous. And may need to try one of my own.

Another student piece, this one layered with what looks like several taped off layers of thick acrylic paint. It doesn’t capture as well in a photograph, but in person it is really stunning.

Thanks for coming along on this mini tour, and as always, thanks for stopping by!