American Gothic - 1930 - via
Most of us know Grant Wood's rather grim American Gothic painting which has become an iconic piece over the years. But obviously there's more to Wood than one painting, no matter how famous.
Thanks to Poul Webb's art blog, I discovered some of Wood's early work and much to my amazement I realized immediately that there was much more to Grant Wood than I'd suspected. I'd always liked Wood's tightly woven farm and landscape paintings evoking a sort of mythical mid-western ideal, but his early work (influenced by his study in Europe) is much freer and impressionistic in tone. It's always interesting to see the routes that painters make on their way to an eventual style. Take a look:
Courtyard in Italy - 1924 - via
Old Stone Barn - 1919 - via
Statue in Paris - 1920 - via
Cafe in Paris - 1920 - via
The Shop Inspector - 1925 - via
At the Gate 1926 - via
To learn about Grant Wood and see more of his work, please check out Poul Webb's art blog.
I'd pretty much dismissed Wood because I'm not overly fond of realism, although I admire the skill required to achieve that level of realism. But I love some of the more Impressionistic paintings in your post. I've recently become interested in the Pennsylvania Impressionists (who knew that was a thing?!). I went to an auction this summer at Freeman's in Philadelphia and they've just sent me their catalog for their Dec. 6th auction. Not that I'll invest in any, but it's fun to watch the auction.
ReplyDeleteBut I do like his landscapes done on what I call 'the curve' - several of his paintings remind me of Thomas Hart Benton, another American painter whose work I like. Pennsylvania Impressionists - don't know if I've ever heard that term before. I'll look online. I love auction catalogues - it's fun to dream. Many years ago we used to go to auctions and pick up things now and then. Nothing major. But it sure was fun. Another group of painters you might like to check, Joan, is a Canadian bunch - the Group of Seven. Lawren Harris, especially. But there are a couple of thers whose work you might enjoy.
DeleteYes, I do like a lot of those. I like the bold lines and the colors of some of the paintings attract me. I had never heard of the Group of Seven, so we've expanded each other's worlds.
DeleteThat's what I love about blogging, Joan.
DeleteHi, Yvette,
ReplyDeleteI knew that Grant Wood started out as an Impressionist, but like you, I've never seen this work. I would be very happy to live with his Paris statue!
Hi, Mark - glad you're still around. :)
DeleteI would be happy to live with any of these, actually. I'm thinking that at some point I might look around for a print or two. I really do like this early stuff of Wood's. But then, just to be contrary, I also like some of his colorful later 'curving' landscapes.
A real eye-opener Yvette - I really only knew him for GOTHIC - really fascinating.
ReplyDeleteCheck out the link to Poul Webb's website, Sergio. You'll see more amazing stuff.
DeleteYvette, Happy Thanksgiving. Love the barn painting. Coming to Boston, see Issabella's and POP's
ReplyDelete10th an 11th. can't wait to see a CITY>> yvonne
Lucky you, Yvonne. Did you have a great time? I'm sure you did. :)
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