After training in the French academic mode at the Academie Julian in Paris, Watrous returned to New York and won recognition for his stylized female portraits, elegant still lifes, and enchanting evening landscapes. His work earned gold medals from the St. Louis Exposition of 1904 and the National Academy of Design. Watrous went on to serve as the President of the National Academy. (http://books0977.tumblr.com/post/35256444488/just-a-couple-of-girls-1915-harry-wilson)