Part 2, Peace and Solitude: a Potpourri, Chapters 4-6 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 4, "The Water Color Mania," focuses on Miller's painting. Since 1929 he has produced 2,000 watercolors, most of which he gives away. The mania begins in Brooklyn when he and O'Reagan see reproductions of Turner works. Miller never studies drawing and feels untalented, but enjoys himself. He prefers the work of children and the insane to painting masters. His favorite is seven-year-old Tasha Doner. He copies the postcards that fans send from around the world and learns from looking at other painters' work. He is unsure if studying Nature helps and is never content with painting what he sees, but always adds trademark flaws. So-called Primitives let viewers embrace what they see. Dawn and sunset are magic hours when the light is true and fall and winter are best...