Winslow Homer (1836-1910) was born in Boston, Massachusetts as the second of three sons. His mother enjoyed working in watercolors and this is where it's believed Winslow started learning from. As he grew he became an American landscape artist and print maker, he liked to work in oil and watercolor with marine subjects being some of his favorites to paint. He started working for Harper's weekly as an illustrator and this became his primary means to financial independence. Winslow chose to paint his landscapes by working mostly with watercolors. As an artist he was however, unique in the effect he enjoyed and excelled at a wide range of mediums, including watercolors, oils, and wood engravings. He enjoyed painting daily farm or fishing life scenes that were not romantic but representative of an average day. He was able to travel around America by selling his art and afford a two year trip to England. Upon his return from England his art had reportedly changed for the better. And many critics began to rave about the work since his return. Winslow attended the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln to which he created rich drawings of the event. He is an artist who worked hard for recognition and financial success. He is often considered one of the strongest original American painters.
