Exhibition Overview

“… the most lovely and perfect parts of Nature may be brought together, and combined in a whole, that shall surpass in beauty and effect any picture painted from a single view. I believe with you, that it is of the greatest importance for a painter always to have his mind upon nature, as the star by which he is to steer to excellence in his art.” – Thomas Cole to Robert Gilmor Jr., December 25, 1826

“Mind Upon Nature”: Thomas Cole’s Creative Process features original paintings and sketches by Thomas Cole alongside the artist’s writings, collections, books, and materials used to realize his work. Offering a close look at Cole’s artistic process and vision, the exhibition reveals his deep fascination with art, nature, history, and call for balance within the natural world.

This ongoing exhibition highlights major works from the Thomas Cole Site collection along with items loaned from private individuals and archives. Originally curated by Chief Curator, Kate Menconeri, with Cole Fellows Keith Lebel, Amy LeFebvre, and Elena Ostock, new works are rotated in to reinvigorate the exhibition with current research and perspectives, expanding the curatorial team to also include Amanda Malmstrom (Associate Curator), Anne Comer, Marissa Hamm, Hampton Smith, Peter Fedoryk, and Katie Pratt-Thompson.

Major support for this exhibition is provided by the Henry Luce Foundation.

We are grateful to Drs. Matthew and Maria Brown; Bob and Carol Lockyer, Richard Sharp; Dr. Susan Gates Austin Warner; The Jack Warner Foundation, Tuscaloosa, Alabama; W. Douglas McCombs, Chief Curator at the Albany Institute of History & Art; and the many individuals who made this exhibition possible.