Two watercolor landscape paintings, ca. 19th century. Watercolor on paper landscape painting by noted American artist and art critic John Robinson Tait (1834 - 1909). Tait was part of the Dusseldorf school of artists, which was the precursor to the Hudson River School and included in its ranks artists like Albert Bierstadt, Emmanuel Leutze, and Worthington Whittredge. This landscape watercolor was a study for an oil painting. It shows the effect of sunlight on the landscape and all of its denizens, from the cows and trees to the mountains, grass, and water. This quiet and tranquil scene is a powerful example of Tait’s technique and artistic vision. Signed and dated in lower right corner: “John R. Tait 1881”. Condition: clear signs of age, including foxing, are present. There is a tear in the paper at the upper-mid right side of the piece. The matting shows age as well. Colors have darkened somewhat, but the ingenuity of Tait’s scene is still clearly evident. Not examined outside of the frame. Measurements: 14 ¾” by 9 ¼” (as matted), 23 ¾” by 18 ?” (framed). Watercolor on paper landscape painting by noted artist Harry James Sticks (British, 1867 - 1938). Entitled “Borrowdale Mill”, this painting depicts a mill and the surrounding countryside of the English Lake District. We see a hilly terrain with the eponymous mill and trees, with a mountain in the distance. Sticks worked in the proud tradition of landscape painting in Great Britain, and his work certainly draws from that rich pool. His handling of paint, in fact, looks quite similar to that of Thomas Gainsborough. His earthy color palette demonstrates the rustic beauty of the English countryside. Framed and matted, in very good condition. Measurements: 15 ½” by 10 ½” (as matted), 22 5/8” by 17 3/8” (framed). Keywords: fancy, art, paintings, artist, art work, America, USA, US, wall, decor, decoration, house, home, household, düsseldorfer malerschule, Munich, Munchen, Germany, German, England, Cumbria, Cumbrian, Newcastle, Tyne, Lakes, North West, H. Sticks