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February, 1940 by Grant Wood.
Wood came to appreciate lithography as a medium late in his career. Many of his lithographic works were offered through the Associated American Artists project that offered the artistic names of the day through the mail for as little as $5.00.
Daughters of the Revolution by Grant Wood, Cincinnati Art Museum.
Wood pokes fun at the prim and proper ladies and their intolerance. This is the only "satire" Wood owned up to, but many of his other works fit that definition too, even the beloved American Gothic.
Grant Wood, American Gothic, 1930, Chicago Institute of Art.
Fruits and Vegetables, 1938 by Grant Wood.
Another publication from Associated American Artists. Wood hired his sister Nan and her husband to hand-tint the flower and fruits watercolors.
Wild Flowers, 1938 by Grant Wood, Assorted collections.
During the Depression many artists were not able to make a living so two New York Art Dealers commissioned working artists such as Wood to do a series of lithographs that they sold in the back of magazines for $5-$10 each. Today some of them go for around $10,000.
The colored images were done in watercolor by Wood’s sister Nan who was also the model for the daughter in American Gothic.
If only I could travel back in time....
Cook’s Barn, 1939 by Marvin Cone.
A friend and fellow teacher of Grant Wood, when you look at Cone's work you can tell the two artists were working together and sharing techniques. He and Wood collaborated at the Stone City Art Colony.
Stone City Iowa by Grant Wood, Joslyn Art Museum
Stone City is near Wood's childhood home Anamosa. They hold an art festival in Stone City every summer in honor of one of the state's favorite sons. Wood helped to found the Stone City Art Colony there in 1932.
American Gothic, 1930 by Grant Wood, Art Institute of Chicago.
The "Gothic" in American Gothic refers to the window in the background of the painting. It is a style seen in Gothic churches with the point on the top. The woman is Wood's sister Nan and the man was the town dentist.
Spring in Town by Grant Wood, 1942
Two of my favorite Iowa artists,
Grant Wood and William Bailey.
Both of them capture brilliantly the straight-forward simplicity Iowa stands for, to me. Simplicity, with under-layers of pride, truthfulness, and appreciation for life. Take care and stay safe Iowa.
Red Wall by William Bailey, 2007.