Florence Griswold Museum

On a beautiful Sunday morning Jared and I set out again on another museum adventure. This time we went to the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme. I was very excited about going to the Griswold because on Sundays you can paint on the grounds. I could not think of a better place to bring Jared. We both love to paint!


When we first got there I was a little confused. So many little buildings, not really sure where to go. But we found the path that leads to the Krieble Gallery.


They had a wonderful exhibit in this building. Picturing Health: Norman Rockwell and the Art of Illustration. But because the gallery didn’t own the collections we could not take pictures. I was very disappointed at this time. I love Rockwell’s work! When I was a kid, my pediatrician had several pieces made by Rockwell. I hated the doctor’s office, but I found some comfort in the pictures. The kids weren’t crying…maybe I shouldn’t either.

So a little upset we proceeded to the Griswold House. At this point I didn’t know much about the history of this museum. We entered the house and were greeted by two very nice women. Again, I was informed that picture taking isn’t allowed. I did mention that I was working on piece for school and one lady whispered, “okay, go for it dear”. I was so excited that I could take pictures! So we started the tour of the house.



She informed me that Miss Florence inherited this home when all her other siblings had died. She also inherited the debts. So in order to be able to make a living, she took people into her home. She took in an artist named Henry Ward Ranger, who brought several other artist that next year. Her home became a boardinghouse for artist.





Our guide left us to explore by ourselves and we headed up stairs where most of the artwork is located. The first picture that caught my eye was Henry Ward Rangers, Autumn Woodlands. I loved the highlighted gold tones he used to really make the woods seem “magical”. I felt this this piece was nice but I was still waiting for something to jump out at me. Then I saw Lucien Abrams', The Orchard, and I fell in love! This piece was created in 1916, when he stayed at Miss Forence's home.




This style of work is called Impressionism. Painting that does not elaborate on details but rather focuses on a feeling or tone of the scenery. When I look at this picture, I see a beautiful spring day with a slight breeze blowing the branches. Abrams used bold colored oil paints on this canvas. Like the red details in the tree. This is what primarily drew me to this piece. What wonderful accent to add to the tree. It makes it shout, "look at me!"




The details in the leaves are so serene. Like they are dancing in a gentle breeze that comes and goes as it pleases. Some leaves look to be reaching towards the blue and white sky, like arms stretching towards the sun. Others look like they are resting and relaxing, exhausted from the winds workout.



You can look at this piece and feel a flow. The river in the background, flowing in the same directions as the branches. The trunk of the tree stretching upwards like the tall grass below it. The inviting shadows that lay under the trees seem to be saying, “come sit, rest here”. You cannot look at this painting and not feel at peace. At ease with everything around you.



What a beautiful representation of simpler times. When you could relax and take it all in, with no worries. How nice it must have been to be able to see a vision and portray it with such beauty and emotion. I found myself wanting that peace. Just a few moments in my days were there are no phones ringing, no people yelling, no place to be. Allowing all senses to enjoy a perfect day. The smell of the flowers growing from the grass that tickles your legs. The sound of the river, crackling and bubbling, draws your eyes to the sight of little sparkles that dance on the river. No better way to spend the day in my opinion.


What is absolutely wonderful about this museum and that you can have that one day to loose yourself. You have a chance to grab a canvas, some paints and a few brushes and enjoy your time like the artists did when Miss Florence opened her doors. So that is just what we did! We were both so excited. We grabbed our supplies and headed out! Should we paint the little purple flowers in the garden? How about the sunflowers? How about the barn house? Then that dancing sparkle hits my eye…we head down to the river. We sit in two chairs and lose ourselves for an hour. What an inspiring hour it was.