Before the Storm, Peconic Bay, Long Island

In 1895 Irving Ramsey Wiles bought a cottage in Peconic, Long Island, and began teaching summer classes. The beautiful scenery in Peconic soon became Wiles' preferred subject matter. The present work, a view of boats in the harbor, is considered among his quintessential images from this period. The quiet water and evocative sky depict his love for the picturesque Peconic scenery, while the lively bravura of the brush strokes add vigor to the carefully delineated painting.