Artwork

Sweet Peas

Sweet Peas, by James David Smillie, ink, 1891
Sweet Peas, by James David Smillie, ink, 1891

Sweet Peas is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James David Smillie. It dates from 1891 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Sweet Peas is a drypoint print created by James David Smillie in 1891 on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a bouquet of sweet peas in various stages of bloom, arranged in a loose, organic manner. Delicate, curved lines capture the soft petals, while a range of values creates depth and dimension.

Technique & Style

Smillie's use of drypoint technique adds texture to the image. The drypoint medium allows for expressive, nuanced lines that evoke the flowers' gentle forms.

Context

The work reflects the artist's interest in capturing everyday subjects, such as flowers, with attention to their natural beauty and texture.

Artist & collection

Portrait of James David Smillie

Artist

James David Smillie

James David Smillie was an American artist, cofounder of the American Watercolor Society and New York Etching Club. His brother was painter George Henry Smillie.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.