Original painting by Leif Nilsson - oil on canvas; 12 x 16 inches unframed, dimensions framed TBD; 2026.

In the spirit of the Lyme Art Colony artists, Chester artist Leif Nilsson has created a painting of the Museum's riverfront alla prima (meaning "all at once") to be offered during the Live Auction.

Inspired by the natural beauty of the Lower Connecticut River Valley, contemporary Impressionist Leif Nilsson paints his plein air impressionistic landscapes directly from life. Working in and around his hometown of Chester, Nilsson creates engaging garden, river, coastline, and village paintings. His heavily textured paintings capture the scintillating effects of light in nature over a period of time, and his unique brushwork is a result of his dedication to observing nature.

Leif Nilsson completed a full curriculum of Classical Studies at the Lyme Academy, then enhanced that education with several sojourns to Scandinavia, Asia Minor, and Europe.

A successful working artist for over 30 years, Nilsson shows his paintings in several galleries across the U.S. and at the Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio & Gallery in Chester.

The winning bidder will also receive a frame to complement the finished painting.