An Artistic Lineage: Three Generations of New England Painting
To understand the work of these three artists is to understand how creative vision is born through mentorship and preserved through lifelong devotion.
The “Artistic Family Tree” represents a profound narrative of technical linage and personal stewardship, tracing a specific DNA of American painting through three interconnected lives.
This linage reveals a historical chain of influence that shaped the New England landscape tradition for nearly a century, illustrating how the mastery of one generation becomes the foundation for the next.
Bernard Lennon (1914-1992)
Bernard Lennon stands as the foundational figure in this American “plein air” tradition. A master of the New England countryside, Lennon was known for a sophisticated use of color and a structural integrity that gave his landscapes a quiet, commanding presence. His paintings were more than just depictions of nature; they were contemplative studies of light and atmosphere.
Beyond his canvas, Lennon’s greatest contribution was his role as a mentor. He instilled a rigorous technical philosophy in his students, ensuring that the traditional methods of capturing light would not be lost to time.
Bernard Lennon Oil Painting of Man and Boy Swimming, Mid to Late 20th Century
Bernard Lennon Oil Painting "Seated Figure," Late 20th Century
Bernard Lennon Landscape Oil Painting of Farm with Creek, 20th Century
Bernard Lennon Oil Painting of Coastal Cliffs, Mid-20th Century
Richard Stalter (1934-2020)
One student in particular, Richard Stalter, became the primary vessel for Lennon’s teachings. Stalter was a prolific force in the Connecticut art scene, bridging the gap between Lennon’s traditionalism and a more modern, vibrant sensibility. His work is instantly recognizable for its tonal harmony and tactile, layered palette, whether he was painting a sweeping valley or an intimate interior.
However, Stalter’s legacy is defined as much by his stewardship as by his brushwork. Upon Lennon’s passing, Stalter was entrusted with his mentor’s entire estate, a responsibility he took to heart by ensuring Lennon’s life work was preserved and respected.
Richard Stalter Chalk Pastel Drawing of Church Landscape, 20th Century
Richard Stalter Still Life Oil Painting of Gourds and Maize
Richard Stalter Street Scene Oil Painting, Late 20th Century
Richard Stalter Still Life Oil Painting of Daffodils
Susan Grisell (b. 1946)
The final branch of this artistic tree belongs to Susan Grisell, an acclaimed contemporary of the New England impressionist circles. Grisell’s work is celebrated for its fluid brushwork and an uncanny ability to capture the “spirit” of a location. Her paintings often dwell in the interplay of shadow and warmth, bringing an evocative depth to her floral still lifes and outdoor scenes.
Grisell’s connection to the group is deeply personal; she maintained a lifelong professional partnership with Richard Stalter. They often exhibited side-by-side, and it was Stalter who became the foremost collector of her work, carefully curating and preserving a significant body of her paintings over several decades.
Susan Grisell Impressionistic Oil Painting of Woodland Landscape, 20th Century
Susan Grisell Oil Painting of Street Scene, 2011
Susan Grisell Landscape Oil Painting of Nocturne Cottage Scene
Susan Grisell Landscape Oil Painting of Neighborhood Scene, 2012
A Legacy Beyond the Canvas
This synergy represents a complete cycle of artistic life. From Lennon’s foundational mastery to Stalter’s bridge of modern influence and Grisell’s atmospheric elegance, these artists offer a unique window into a shared philosophy. It is a rare look at an interconnected history—a true family tree of American art where the brushstrokes of the past directly inform the visions of the present.
Explore the work of Lennon, Stalter, and Grisell >
