Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 5.djvu/254

 2 26 THE GRANITE MONTHLY.

orama of the Mexican war. Being too bold a venture, it was abandoned, although afterward accomplished and exhibited by older hands.

While painting carriages in the different towns, he left upon the walls of the shops various chalk and charcoal sketches, some of which remain at the present time ; often being more gratifying to others, than to the subjects who uncon- sciously sat for poi traits.

By working through the summer, he was able to attend the Chester Academy, where we find his artistic propensities exhibited in the crude sketches that adorn his school books. While there he acted assistant to Prof. A. A. Ranney, now a well-known Boston lawyer, in his scientific lectures. He designed, and brought before the class, the first practical illustration of the electric tele- graph seen in that section. At that time also, in company with a professor, he made a geological excursion through a part of New York State.

In the fall of 1848, he went to Boston. Having tried various occupations with no great success, he returned to Chester, and in 1851, we find him a shoe- maker at Springfield, Vermont. He removed to Saxton's River, and afterward to Walpole, New Hampshire, where he worked at carriage painting until 1853.

In 1854, Mr. Miller settled in Claremont, New Hampshire, where he resides at the present time. Here he opened a shop for carriage, sign, and ornamen- tal painting, and continued at this occupation until January i, 1863. He then went to New York, where he attended drawing schools and was admitted to the National Academy of Design. He afterward studied at Cooper Institute until the spring of 1S65, and was awarded a certificate of the first class, for superior ability. During the year 1864, he was engaged also in lithographing views of the principal streets of New York city. He resumed work at scene and fresco painting, by means of which he continued his studies at the art schools until 186S, when he returned to Claremont, and worked at his profes- sion in various places.

An amusing incident occurred while frescoing a church in Vermont. A lady remarked that she " didn't know he was going to have such a cunning little room behind the pulpit," and nothing but actual contact with the wall would convince her that it was an illusion.

In June, 1870, Mr. Miller sailed for Germany, where he pursued his studies for two years. He spent much of this time at Munich, and among the moun- tains of Bavaria and Tyrol, some of whose fading flowers still adorn his studio. Dear to every artist's heart are the remembrances of sojourns in the German schools and art-crowded galleries. He brought home well-filled portfolios and sketch-books, and thoughts and fancies that have blossomed into rare paintings of Alpine scenery.

Since his return he has been busy painting landscapes, and other forms of beauty and interest, and giving instruction in his art. His classes have been quite a success. His works have been exhibited in various places, and some of them, borne far from home. The unfortunate burning of his house occa- sioned the loss of many of his early paintings, and other works scarcely to be replaced, yet the new room presents no aspect of loss.

Entering the pleasant studio, we notice many attractive pictures, among which are nearly a dozen different views of Ascutney Mountain. These are of various sizes, and any one of them would seem a gem by itself. The blue mountains and lakes ot Sunapee, and Kearsarge Mountain, figure conspicuous- ly. A crowd uf views of the German Alps charm with their refreshing scenery of lakes, mountains, and valleys. Curious studies peep out from sly corners, and here and there tempting fruits and artistic figures vary the collection. Charcoal and crayon pieces are not wanting, while crowded portfolios stand in out-of-the-way places. Crayon copies of antique statues and living models are

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