Title: Autumnal Sheep

Artist: William Edwin Atkinson

Date: 1924

Medium: Watercolor on paper

Dimensions: Sight: 11 x 18 in (27.9 x 45.7 cm); Frame: 21 1/4 x 27 1/4 in (54 x 69.2 cm)

Condition Report: Overall good condition

Provenance: From the collection of a Cumberland, Rhode Island gentleman.

Description:
"Autumnal Sheep" is a charming impressionistic watercolor that beautifully captures the serene and tranquil atmosphere of a pastoral autumn scene. The painting depicts a shepherd leisurely guiding his flock of sheep along a winding path, surrounded by the vibrant hues of fall foliage. The leaves, painted in warm tones of orange, red, and yellow, create a striking contrast against the cool, earthy tones of the path and distant trees. The soft, delicate brushstrokes characteristic of Impressionism lend the scene a gentle, almost dreamlike quality, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the peacefulness of the countryside. The play of light and shadow enhances the depth of the composition, while the placement of the shepherd and flock draws the viewer’s eye along the path, deeper into the landscape. Atkinson’s masterful handling of color and light, combined with the subtle yet evocative portrayal of the natural environment, make this piece a quintessential example of his work.

Inscription: Signed and dated lower right.

About the Artist:
William Edwin Atkinson (1862–1926), also known as W.E. Atkinson, was a prominent Canadian landscape painter and a founding member of the Canadian Art Club in 1907. His work was heavily influenced by the Impressionist movement, characterized by his adept use of color and light to capture the fleeting beauty of nature. Atkinson’s style also incorporated elements from the Barbizon school and the Hague School, both of which emphasized a more naturalistic approach to landscape painting. Throughout his career, Atkinson’s works were celebrated for their atmospheric qualities and his ability to evoke a deep sense of place through his depiction of the Canadian landscape.