Stillness by the Flooded Field (1903) by William Edwin Atkinson captures a quiet, contemplative moment in the Canadian landscape. Painted in oil on canvas, the work shows Atkinson’s sensitive treatment of atmosphere and light, with soft tonal shifts that evoke the stillness of water and the gentle hush of the countryside. The flooded field becomes more than a subject, it reflects his Impressionist approach to capturing fleeting moods in nature, emphasizing tranquility, reflection, and subtle movement.

Born in Montreal in 1862, Atkinson studied at the Académie Julian in Paris, where he was introduced to the techniques of French Impressionism. He absorbed lessons on plein-air painting and color harmony, influences that shaped his lifelong exploration of Canadian landscapes. Returning to Canada, he applied this training to familiar scenery, bringing European Impressionist methods into dialogue with the distinct geography and light of Quebec and Ontario.  

Atkinson holds an important place in Canadian art history as one of the first Canadian painters to fully embrace Impressionist style.