James D. Smillie

Originally trained as a bank note engraver, Smillie turned to painting in 1865, inspired after a trip to Europe. He became an Associate of the National Academy of Design where he taught engraving for a year before co-founding the American Watercolor Society in 1867. Ten years later, he founded the New York Etching Club. Smillie is recognized as a versatile artist, who was accomplished in oil painting, watercolor, drawing, as well as engraving, etching, and aquatint.