Christopher Willett (American, PA, b. 1959) impressionist fall landscape with two Blackfeet riding their horses ahead of the viewer; a man rides ahead of a boy riding a pony. Could the pair be father and son? The painting renders the landscape and the people within it in the same golden tones, unifying the people with their environment. In fact, the horses and people melt into the landscape. Though a small painting, it evokes both the golden warmth of fall with the sun casting its special slanted fall glow and the unity and peacefulness of man, animal and landscape in harmony. A romantic, lovely vision. Signed lower right and verso. Sight: 5.75" H x 4.75" W. Framed: 8.5" H x 7.5" W.

CONDITION: Excellent

Artist Bio: Christopher Willett, born in 1959, is a Bucks County painter with a family lineage dating back to ancestors arriving in this country aboard the Mayflower and Victory, settling Plymouth. From early childhood to the present, Willett also has carried on his family's tradition in the arts. As a painter in the New Hope/Bucks County Impressionist style, he works full time both oil and watercolor. His recent work has been compared to Edward Redfield's subjects and style. Earlier works by Willett are reminiscent of the photographic representational influence of Andrew Wyeth—his revered friend and mentor. Over time, Willett developed his own unique method and artistic language: he portrays the landscape and daily lives of the people that inhabit the region from Bucks County, New Hope, Lambertville, New Jersey, French Town, and Point Pleasant.

Working from his studios in Lahaska and Plumsteadville, Willett captures the beauty and simplicity of an earlier time—horse-drawn carriages, families working together, villages and farms, Native American subjects, and friends walking together. Many are depicted in recognizable historic settings. Chris prefers to use a color pallet of rich warm earth tones; consistent with the traditional Bucks County Impressionist style.

Willett attended Hartnell University in California, and the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Art. Willett also served in the U.S. Navy for 6 years aboard an aircraft carrier and is a decorated veteran. Willett's work is in corporate and in many private collections. Source: Based on personal interviews and submitted by Kathryn Dalton with the approval of the artist.