"Oldfields (Home of Walter Anderson)” (2026)

WiL Vélez, Oldfields (home of Walter Anderson), 2026.

acrylic on framed gesso panel

artwork: 18 x 14 x 1/4 in (45.72 x 35.56 x .635 cm) 

overall dimensions (framed): 19.5 x 15.5 x 7/8 in. (49.53 x 39.37 x 2.22 cm)

This painting includes a 1 in. (2.54 cm) profile frame in natural weathered grey

Drawn on site alongside the (MS) Gulf Coast Plein Air group, this scene depicts “Oldfields,” formerly the Lewis House, of Gautier, MS, which served as a home for renown artist, Walter Anderson, during much of the 1940s. It is said that some of his most memorable large scale block prints were created here. In this scene, on the cool and cloudless early morning of April 3, 2026, Horn Island can be seen in the distance fronted by an Ingalls ship, the dramatic branches of a majestic live oak giant dominate the view from the west side yard, and Oldfields stands peacefully though as a stately shell of its former self, in great need of restoration, having suffered considerable damage during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. As of 2020, the property belongs to the Mississippi Heritage Trust who strives to preserve this important historic landmark for the state of Mississippi. For more information on the preservation of Oldfields and how you can get involved, visit https://www.mississippiheritage.com/saving-oldfields

This is a unique, original artwork. Its image, like all images on this website, is the copyright of ©️WiL Vélez, LLC. All rights reserved.