Homer began making watercolors professionally in 1873, prompted by the medium's rising popularity. His works of the decade are often redolent of romance, but they counter easy sentimentality with their summary technique and lack of clear narrative. During his stay in England (1881–82) Homer made many more watercolors than oils, winning with them critical and commercial success. Thereafter he painted watercolors while on his frequent travels, often using startling perspectives or color schemes that, even as they reflect both popular illustrations and Japanese aesthetics, reveal his ever-freer way of responding to the world. Between 1873 and 1905 Homer made close to seven hundred watercolors, transforming the medium and his achievement as a whole. He wrote to a friend: "You will see, in the future I will live by my watercolors."

Clark purchased his first two Homer watercolors in 1917 and continued to acquire them into the 1950s, assembling a solid survey of Homer's achievement.

Search the collection to view all of Homer's watercolors.