John Marin Autumn Landscape

John Marin, Hilltop, Autumn, Maine, watercolor and crayon on paper, 1923, 16 7/8 x 20 1/2 in.

Who doesn't lament the inexorable march of autumn toward winter, signaled by fading, muted colors and all that ever-thinning light? The task of the artist, however, is not to lament, but to understand, interpret, represent. This is yet another masterly watercolor from John Marin, who captured New England landscapes and seascapes with energy and authority during the first half of the 20th century. Here's to the beauty particular to every season.

UPDATE 11-29
Not long after I composed this the voice of my Ideal Reader took up residence in my mind: It spoke thusly (and sarcastically): Not the artist's place to lament? Have you ever heard of a little painting called Guernica? By a guy named Picasso? Or how about that musical form composers call a Requiem?