Veteran in a New Field by Winslow Homer was painted in the aftermath of the American Civil War.  This iconic image can also be seen as a metaphor for many of the early immigrants in the New World of America – they were all “in a new field”, in a new life, in a new and developing country.

Many early American artists were self taught, there was no school of art available.  Some also travelled to Europe to enlarge their ideas.  Their inspiration was their new land, its contours and colours, its people and their aspirations.  The art becomes a part of ‘what it is to be an American’.  Within little more than a century, a number of American artists became the innovators that Europeans would follow.

American Art is a new field for most of us who have not strayed artistically across the pond so this should be a fascinating talk.  We also need to make sure we have a good turnout so here is a poster in PDF form fro you to click on and print off, display in your window or give to a friend.