American

Grant Wood

U.S. 1891-1942
Study for Autumn Oaks 78.0177

---

The controlled brushwork in Wood's paintings of the 1930s was achieved through careful, systematic preparation involving preliminary sketches or studies from nature followed by drawings in pencil, chalk, or charcoal. At each stage Wood edited the composition and the elements of the painting until all of the "excess" information was eliminated. The final painting in 1932 of Autumn Oaks, in the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art collection, keeps the basic composition of the center group of trees, the trees that "frame" the composition on either side, and the horizon line and palette but considerably simplify the details and clarify the light source and viewpoint.

 

BACK TO COLLECTION