In his later years, Merrill Coffin’s eyesight began to fade, but his passion for painting never dimmed. Loon and Loonlet is a poignant example of this period—less detailed than his earlier wildlife portraits, yet filled with warmth, balance, and emotional depth.
The scene is set in a quiet inlet surrounded by towering pines. Large rocks line the water’s edge, framing the gentle movement of an adult loon gliding alongside its chick. Lily pads and cattails add touches of green to the rippling surface, while the muted tones of water, wood, and stone create a natural harmony.
What this work lacks in intricate detail, it makes up for in atmosphere. The composition flows with ease, allowing the viewer to feel the stillness of the water, the shelter of the woods, and the tender bond between parent and chick. Coffin’s later brushstrokes may have softened, but his storytelling remained strong—his art continued to carry the essence of place, season, and life in the natural world.
Loon and Loonlet stands as a reminder that artistry is not only about technical precision, but about capturing the spirit of what one sees and feels. It is both a reflection of the artist’s persistence and a testament to the enduring beauty of the landscapes he loved.
Private Collection of James Coffin.
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