Studies of the Rocky Shore

c. 1943

Milton Avery

Associated Names
Milton Avery

Artist, American, 1885 - 1965

The sketch shows a view from a perspective looking out towards a body of water, likely a sea or large lake. The horizon is high, dividing the water from the sky. Subtle indications of waves are present in the water. The sky has minimal cloud formations. Near the viewer, rocky outcrops and vegetation are depicted with bold lines and hatching. The color palette is soft blues and neutral tones. The style is loose and suggestive, using simple line work to capture the scene with simplicity and spontaneity.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and blue ink with graphite on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Sally Michel Avery

  • Dimensions

    overall: 25.8 x 19.8 cm (10 3/16 x 7 13/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2002.104.1.41

  • Series Title

    Avery Sketchbook (Mother Ann Cottage, Eastern Point, Gloucester, Mass.)

Associated Artworks

See all 64 artworks
The image consists of abstract lines and shapes scattered across the paper. Winding lines are to the left, with some shapes suggesting structures. A dominant figure is in the upper center right, resembling a person lying down, rendered in loose sketchy strokes. Near the top right corner, undulating lines cascade downward. The composition has a dreamlike quality, bringing together familiar elements in an abstract, imaginative way.

Figures Reclining on the Sand

Milton Avery

1943

This is a photograph of a composition notebook. The notebook has a black and brown marbled pattern cover and a black spine. In the center of the cover is a label with the Shaw company logo and the number "5631" printed on it. Handwritten details on the label include names and locations, such as "Milton Avery" and "Mother Ann Cottage," "Eastern Point," and "Gloucester, Mass." Below the label is a small print indicating "A Prod" and the name "Wilson-Jones Co., U.S.A."

Avery Sketchbook (Mother Ann Cottage, Eastern Point, Gloucester, Mass.)

Milton Avery

1943

The image shows abstract shapes and lines in blue ink on a blank page. In the upper left corner, there are overlapping lines with a pattern like scales or netting. Below, there is a horizontal shape with curving lines. The overall composition allows for connections to familiar objects, while remaining open to interpretation.

Figures on the Beach

Milton Avery

1943

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

artist; by descent to Sally Michel Avery, his wife, New York; gift to NGA, 2002

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1994

  • Milton Avery: Works on Paper, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1994-1995.

1995

  • Milton Avery: Works on Paper, The Hyde Collection, Glen Falls, 1995.

1996

  • Milton Avery: Works on Paper, Allentown Art Museum, 1996.

  • Milton Avery: Works on Paper, James A. Michener Art Museum, Doylestown, 1996.

  • Milton Avery: Works on Paper, The Snite Museum of Art, Notre Dame, 1996.

2004

  • "Discovering Milton Avery: Two Devoted Collectors, Louis Kaufman and Duncan Phillips", The Phillips Collection, Washington, 2004.

Wikidata ID

Q64614898

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