ART HISTORY

CREATIVE COLORS
and BELOVED BEACHES
Experience Summer Vacation through the Eyes of an Artist
BRUC E M USEU M Now on view at the Bruce Museum
1 Museum Drive • Greenwich, CT Summer with the Averys [Milton | Sally | March]
Through September 1, 2019

What do you like to do

during the summer?
The Avery family, whose artwork is now on display
at the Bruce Museum, loved to travel during the
summer. From Vermont to Canada to Mexico, the
three Averys (parents Milton and Sally, daughter
March), piled into their car and went on adventures,
making art the whole time. Their summer days were
spent swimming, reading, and sketching. During
the winter, they painted amazingly colorful images
based on these summer sketches. The Averys were
known for their use of unconventional colors that
communicate mood and emotion rather than
realistic interpretations of their experiences.

March Avery (American, b. 1932). The Dead Sea, 2009.

You Try It! Watercolor & gouache on paper, 22 x 30 inches, signed & dated lower right. Collection of the artist.

With a little time and thought, you can explore

color, texture, and line just like the Averys. The
next time you’re headed out for summer fun,
whether it’s at the beach, the park, the pool, or
your friend’s backyard, bring along a sketchbook
and some pencils. Take a break and sketch your
surroundings - don’t worry if your picture isn’t
perfect, it’s all about capturing the feeling in the
moment. Later, perhaps even months later, take
some time to look through your sketches. If you
feel inspired, make a painting, collage, or even a
Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965). Swimmers and Sunbathers, 1945. Oil on canvas, 28 × 48 1/4 in. (71.1 × 122.6 cm).
new drawing based on your sketch. Art should be The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Roy R. Neuberger, 1951 (51.97).

fun, just like summer!

GET
Common Core State Standard:
ELA: Literacy: R.L. 3.3-5.3, R.L. 3.7-6.7, R.L.
3.1-5.1, R.L. 6.4-8.4, R.H. 6-8.4, R.H. 6-8.7
Creative!