To Paint Hereabout

"Study of Emile", 1918

To me, the artwork of John Holmgren (1897-1963) captures both the sophistication and the simplicity of the first half of the 20th century.







Holmgren was President of the New York Society of Illustrators during the Second World War.

"Grand Central Station", 1948

His work was used in numerous magazines and advertisements of the era.

While he was still in his 20's, Holmgren started bringing his young family to the village of Freedom, NH for the summer.

"Freedom Village in Autumn"

There's a small exhibit of his work currently on display at the Freedom Public Library that features his paintings, illustrations, and drawings of life in both New York City and Freedom at that time.

Holmgren's daughter, Gail, has lived in Freedom for 40 years.

"Gray Building (Drake's)"

Holmgren himself is buried in one of the village cemeteries under a stone that reads, "He Loved to Paint Hereabout."