George William Sotter was an American painter known for his stunning landscapes and impressionistic style. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1879, Sotter began his artistic studies at the age of 18 at the Art Academy of Cincinnati.
He later moved to New York City to attend the Art Students League, where he studied under the great American painter William Merritt Chase. During this time, Sotter also became familiar with the work of other influential artists, including John Singer Sargent and James Abbott McNeill Whistler.
It wasn’t until Sotter moved to Bucks County, Pennsylvania in 1912 that he truly found his artistic voice. There, he became part of the New Hope art colony, which was home to a number of talented artists known for their impressionistic depictions of the local landscape.
Sotter’s work from this time period is known for its soft, atmospheric quality. He often painted outdoors, capturing the way that light and color shifted throughout the day. His landscapes are filled with gentle, rolling hills, softly flowing rivers, and delicately rendered trees – all bathed in a hazy, dreamlike light.
One of Sotter’s most famous works is his painting “Spring Thaw,” which depicts a snowy winter landscape in the process of melting into spring. This painting is a great example of Sotter’s ability to capture the fleeting beauty of a moment in time.
Sotter continued to paint throughout his life, even as new artistic movements like abstract expressionism began to rise to prominence. Despite this, his work remained grounded in the natural world, and he continued to paint the landscapes of Bucks County until his death in 1953.
Today, Sotter’s work can be found in a number of prestigious collections, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. His legacy as an influential American impressionist continues to be felt today, and his work remains beloved by art lovers around the world.