Idle Hours

A group of women in flowing white dresses have gathered on a grassy hillside overlooking a wide blue bay, some reclining on the ground while others sit upright, enjoying a leisurely afternoon together. One figure stands out in a bright red or orange hat, adding a cheerful pop of color to the predominantly white and green palette. The scene captures that distinctly summery feeling of having absolutely nothing to do and being perfectly content about it.

American Impressionist William Merritt Chase painted this work in the late 19th century, when he was teaching at his famous summer art school on Long Island's Shinnecock Hills. The loose, confident brushwork and sun-drenched atmosphere are hallmarks of his style. Chase loved painting outdoors and often featured his family, friends, and students in these breezy coastal scenes. There's something wonderfully timeless about this painting, the simple pleasure of spending an idle afternoon with friends in the sunshine, watching sailboats drift across the water and letting the hours slip by unnoticed.