Francis Towne

Towne worked almost exclusively in watercolor, exhibiting his work only once in his lifetime and supporting himself as a drawing instructor. His works were rediscovered in the early 20th century, as their unique style of pen outline with flat washes appealed to modern taste. Inscriptions on some drawings, including one in RISD’s collection, indicate that he drew “on the Spot,” usually in graphite, adding watercolor and pen and ink later.