Art Tourist: Seeking Andrew Wyeth

Suzanne Lago Arthur outside of Andrew Wyeth’s studio

Last November, my family and I made a very special pilgrimage to the Brandywine Museum, but more specifically to the studio of the late great Andrew Wyeth and to the Kuerner Farm that he immortalized. I have been a huge fan of Andrew since my childhood and a couple of years back was also able to visit the Olson property in Maine that he made famous in his painting "Cristina's World". Little did I realize that the great man is buried there or I would have introduced myself to him properly, paid my respects and thanked him for all the years of inspiration.

Every year since my trip to Maine, I have promised myself that I would go see his studio in Chadds Ford, which is only open for part of the year. And every year it seems I would miss the window. But finally during last November I made it and on the very last weekend that it was open. Hooray!

So you may be asking yourself why I am writing this post now? Because the studio is open again for tours from April 1st - Nov 20th. Chadds Ford is beautiful during this time of the year. If you are a fan of the Wyeths as I am, you will not want to miss the opportunity to experience their world and the huge impression they left behind in the Pennsylvanian countryside.

Andrew Wyeth Studio, Chadds Ford, PA

Andrew's studio is set up exactly as the artist left it. As if he has just stepped out of his studio for one of his regular walks in the surrounding countryside. There are drawings (reproductions) strewn throughout the floor. Egg tempera supplies still await his skillful hands and jars of luminous dry pigments line a window's ledge.

Copy of Andrew Wyeth drawings

Jamie Wyeth’s Corner, Chadds Ford, PA

Andrew Wyeth’s Book Collection, Chadds Ford, PA

We were able to see the Kuerner Farm as well which was a huge treat considering that Andrew produced over 370 works of art on the property. There is a wonderful book documenting his time and productivity on the farm called "Wyeth at Kuerners". It is out of print now but if you are able to get a hold of a copy, I would highly recommend it. It contains a personal narrative told by Andrew on each of his paintings from this series including all the preliminary drawings. It is an invaluable insight into the process of a great American master artist. I got my treasured copy from a wonderful friend (thank you again, Karen) but I have seen them available any where from $8 - $249. The curatorial staff at the Brandywine even reads from it during their tours.

The Kuerner House

Kuerner House, “Evening At The Kuerner’s”, Andrew Wyeth

Above the sink in Kuerner's Barn. Painting by Andrew Wyeth, “Spring Fed”

My tired son enjoying the view on the Kuerner front porch after a long day of “arting” with Mom.