A stunningly realistic and accomplished painting in a medium (watercolor) that is absolutely unforgiving. Watercolors of this quality are extremely rare, by anyone! Born in New York City on December 29, 1840, George Smillie was the son of James Smillie, engraver.  After learning the art of engraving from his father, George Henry studied painting with James McDougal Hart. He regularly exhibited at the National Academy of Design between 1862 and 1900.  He was elected to full membership in the National Academy in 1882 and became Secretary in 1892.  He was also a member of the Boston Art Club, the Brooklyn Art Association and the American Watercolor Society. George H. Smillie's works are featured in the collections of The National Gallery of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Yale University Art Gallery, The Corocoran Gallery, New York Historical Society, Brooklyn Museum of Art and The Rhode Island School of Design, among other prestigious art venues. He died in Bronxville, NY on Nov. 10, 1921. ASSOCIATIONS National Academy of Design American Watercolor Society EXNIBITIONS National Academy of Design, 1875-1891 Philadelphia Centennial, 1876 Boston Art Club, 1880-1908 COLLECTIONS Oakland Museum Corcoran Gallery of Art Metropolitan Museum Union League Club (Philadelphia) National Academy of Design Rhode Island School of Design New York Public Library Edan Hughes, "Artists in California, 1786-1940" Atlantic Monthly, 1872; Dictionary of American Painters, Sculptors & Engravers (Fielding, Mantle); New York Historical Society's Dictionary of Artists in America (Groce, George C. and David H. Wallace); Artists of the American West (Samuels); American Art Annual 1907; Art News, 11-19-1921 & NY Times, 11-11-1921 (obits). 21.5”h x 28.5”w (14”h x 21”w unframed) Shadow along the bottom area in the framed image is from glazing reflection.