John William Vawter (1871–1941) - Early 20thC Etching Snowy Village In The Dark

Description

An etching with aquatint, showing a beautiful wintry scene showing a snow covered row of cottages in the gathering dark. A window of one is lit up with an inviting yellow glow. The artist has signed to the lower left corner and the painting has been attractively presented in a wood frame with gilt inner window and a charming yellow mount that greatly compliments the blue toned aquatint. There is a stamped envelope from a letter sent by the artist's with the artist's signature and an envelope containing a full and extensive biography of the artist's life. On wove.

Condition

The print and frame are in fine condition.

Size

14 x 18.5cm (5.5" x 7.3")

Artist Biography

John William Vawter (13 Apr 1871–11 Feb 1941), from Greenfield, Indiana, was an American landscape artist and illustrator known for his broad strokes and loose Impressionist style.

Named John William Vawter at birth, Vawter was known as Will Vawter both personally and professionally. Vawter was born in Boone County, West Virginia on April 13, 1871. He moved with his family to Greenfield, Indiana, at age six. While living in Greenfield, Vawter developed a close working relationship with poet James Whitcomb Riley, another resident of Greenfield.

Vawter illustrated eleven volumes of James Whitcomb Riley poems. His illustrations often used local residents as models. His work was widely celebrated and he exhibited at the Hoosier Salon and the Brown County Art Gallery Association where he won prizes in 1925, 1926, 1928, 1930, 1932 and 1935. He was married to Mary Vawter, an accomplished poet and landscape artist. The couple divorced in 1923. Vawter moved to Nashville, Indiana, to join the Brown County Art Colony permanently in 1908. He had two residences in the area, one a studio in town, the other a 57 acres (23 hectares) estate about a half mile outside of Nashville. Vawter was a pioneer member of the Brown County Art Gallery Association.