What Artists Inspire You: Early American Artists

American Progress John Gast 1872

Today, I'm teaming up with Patience Brewster in celebration of August's Artist Appreciation Month. After much consideration, I realized I cannot write one, short post on this topic because there have been so many artists that have inspired me throughout my life, whether personal or professional. And so, if you can bear with me, I've decided to break it up into segments. Starting with 19th century early American art. (Don't worry, I promise it will be interesting!)

When I was in graduate school I had a long commute from Berkeley to Sacramento twice a week for classes. I'd get up very early, pour a large cup of coffee, and hit the road. As I drove the sun would be rising over the hills and the tips of the tall grasses that lined the highway would start to glow. This strip of highway runs through a few towns, but mostly you're driving through hills with cattle grazing and seemingly endless farmland.

I remember thinking one day as I drove, "this is manifest destiny*." The same idea that drove so many people westward, inspired by art like John Gast's American Progress. There was something so serene, so inspiring about the landscape that I felt like I was driving into a painting. Since then whenever I drive that strip of highway, I feel inspired, perhaps the same way these early American artists were, at the prospect of something new and exciting.

Now I want you to think, have you ever driven/walked/biked through a painting? Have you ever stood in one point and looked out at nature thinking, maybe, just maybe, a hundred to two hundred years prior an artist sat there with his easel and paints, just as inspired by the landscape as you, and created a masterpiece?

Here are a few pieces that always make me ask that last question...

Yosemite Valley Albert Bierstadt c.1868

Niagra Falls Frederic Edwin Church 1857

Sierra Nevada Albert Bierstadt c.1871

*Please note that I do not support the actual concept of "manifest destiny." Nor do I support the removal of native peoples from their land that resulted from this movement.

This is not a sponsored piece. However if you'd like to learn more about Patience, check her delightful Christmas ornaments.