The Butler Institute of American Art features Andrew Wyeth Watercolors and Drawings: Selections from the Marunuma Art Park Collection, Japan, 114 watercolors and drawings of landscapes, portraits and still lifes inspired by siblings Christina and Alvaro Olsen in Cushing, Maine (through December 16).

Our staff had the honor of viewing the exhibition here in Cincinnati last February, where it made its debut at the Cincinnati Art Museum. (The Butler Institute is the third and final tour stop.) Guided through the private collection by the artist’s own granddaughter, Victoria Wyeth, we were fascinated to see in person exactly how the artist’s watercolors and drawings inform his finished temperas—evident especially in the 10 studies for Christina’s World.

It was particularly interesting to learn what being a part of the Wyeth legacy entails. “To make the connection that the people sitting across the table and living next door to you are the people in the paintings—once that clicks, it’s the most amazing thing,” said Victoria. “He always says, ‘Vic, I’m painting my life.’ And he is painting his life, but he’s painting my life, too.”

Image from www.butlerart.com.