William Morris Hunt: Magnolia Studio

"Landscape" by William Morris Hunt

"On a sketching trip in 1876, William Morris Hunt's class had discovered the primitive fishing village of Kettle Cove, or, as it was later called, Magnolia, which occupied a part of Gloucester and of Manchester. The scenery combined much sketching material in a little space. In addition to a small beach there was a rocky shore of much boldness, and the cliffs were surmounted by well-wooded groves. 

In the following year while casting about for a desirable place in which to work, Hunt made inquiries about a location in Magnolia, and purchased a disused, two-story barn with an adjoining carpenter's shop. Hunt entered with zeal upon the necessary repairs and the additional construction. 

All the working force of the village and neighborhood was summoned to ensure rapid work, and in three weeks it was converted into a picturesque structure with galleries on the outside, one of them ending in a seat in an old willow. The carpenter's shop was turned into a studio, the chief light coming from the wide-open door, or a small window or two, which seemed rather insufficient. 

In the early spring Hunt would seize his color box and drive out to see his friend Levi Thaxter, painting perhaps from his doorway. Returning to town and to his classroom he would exhibit his study of the spring-like, opaline colors, and say: 'Go out into the sunshine, and try to get some of its color and light. Then come back here, and see how black we are all painting!'

That summer of 1877 was thoroughly enjoyed by the painter, whose landscape work evinced steady growth and remarkable originality. His color became fresh and light, and thus helped to prepare him for the work of the next year, which was to be his greatest and his last."

To be continued

(Excerpts from Helen Mary Knowlton,'s book "The Art-Life of William Morris Hunt.)