George Edward Candee was born in New Haven, Connecticut in 1838 and remained
there for most of his life. His original art instruction consisted of work as an ornamental painter and a few lessons from a local portrait painter. His skills as an
artist primarily developed through his travels; between 1865 and 1870, he traveled
and sketched extensively in Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut, and in 1870
left for Rome. His roommate during his first year abroad was George Inness (1825
1894). Upon his return, he painted in New Haven and Long Island, and also visited
many parts of New England.

Described by the New Haven Register as "the artist who refused to part with his works," Candee apparently had no financial incentive to sell his paintings. Consequently, his canvases remain largely in the hands of the descendants of family
members and friends.