George W. Waters, 1832-1912

Adapted by Rachael Sadinsky from her essays in the exhibition brochure George W. Waters, 1832-1912 (Elmira, NY: Arnot Art Museum, 1989).

George W. Waters lived and worked in Elmira, New York, for most of his adult life. Inspired by nature's gentle beauty, Waters set out to record the world around him: hills covered in autumn hues; apple trees blossoming in spring; cattle grazing beside a river; ocean waves in moonlight. He traveled throughout the northeast to sketch the river valleys, mountain ranges, and coastlines before returning to his studio in Elmira to paint. Many of his works were done on commission by or sold to private collectors outside the area, some as far away ...