This evocative watercolor by New Jersey artist John G. Howell captures a rainy, transitional day in a quaint American town. Titled "Early Spring" on the reverse, the piece showcases a mastery of the watercolor medium through its atmospheric depth and fluid brushwork.

The scene depicts a wet streetscape lined with historic, multi-story homes, their facades rendered in earthy ochres and muted whites. Bare, reaching trees dominate the foreground and midground, their dark silhouettes contrasting against a heavy, overcast sky. Howell’s technique is particularly effective in his rendering of the rain; diagonal, semi-transparent washes create a sense of movement and dampness, while the reflections on the shimmering pavement suggest a sudden downpour. A lone, bundled figure walks along the sidewalk, adding a touch of quiet narrative and scale to the composition.

Hand-signed by the artist in the lower right corner, the verso also contains historical provenance markings, including the artist’s address at Mt. Kemble Lake, Morristown, and original exhibition or gallery numbering. This large-scale work is a beautiful example of mid-century regionalism, capturing the specific mood of a Northeast spring with both grit and grace.

Product Specifications

• Artist: John G. Howell (Morristown, NJ)

• Title: Early Spring

• Medium: Watercolor on paper

• Dimensions: 29 x 22 inches

• Signature: Signed "John G. Howell" in the lower right; titled and signed on reverse

• Condition: Visible wear consistent with age; some toning to the paper edges; colors remain vibrant.

• Origin: Morristown, New Jersey area

Keywords: John G. Howell, watercolor painting, original art, American regionalism, Morristown New Jersey artist, Mt. Kemble Lake, mid-century art, landscape painting, rainy street scene, architectural watercolor, early spring, large scale watercolor, 20th century American art, signed painting, historic homes, atmospheric landscape.