In Autumn’s Approach, Merrill Coffin captures a moment of calm just as the season begins to shift. This rare painting centers on a private residence nestled into a gently maintained landscape, bathed in soft, natural light that feels both welcoming and still.
The home itself—painted in a pale bluish-grey—anchors the composition with understated charm. Its clean lines and modest scale reflect a sense of comfort rather than grandeur. A winding driveway leads the viewer’s eye toward a striking red garage, barn-like in form and trimmed crisply in white. The contrast is deliberate and effective, adding warmth and visual rhythm to the scene.
The lawn is lush and carefully kept, suggesting pride of place and daily attention, while tall trees rise behind the house, their leaves just beginning to turn. Hints of gold and muted green signal the quiet arrival of autumn—not yet dramatic, but inevitable. Coffin resists spectacle here, choosing instead to focus on transition: the subtle change in light, color, and atmosphere.
What makes Autumn’s Approach especially compelling is its balance. There is serenity without stillness, warmth without excess. The painting feels lived-in, personal, and peaceful—an invitation to pause before the season fully turns.
As with much of Coffin’s work, the power lies in restraint. This is not a portrait of autumn in full bloom, but of anticipation—the moment when summer loosens its grip and the first signs of fall gently settle in.
If you happen to be the possessor of this artwork, we would greatly appreciate you commenting below Unfortunately, we don’t possess any information about this particular piece- the title was created based on the subject matter.
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