“It is the depth and intensity of an artist’s experience that are the first importance in art.” ~Grant Wood
Grant Wood was an early American artist made famous for his honest depictions of American life, such as his famous painting, ‘American Gothic.’
Grant Wood was an American painter best known for his paintings of the American Midwest. His most famous painting, “American Gothic,” has become an icon of American art. Wood’s paintings are characterized by their clean lines and simple compositions. His subjects were often rural landscapes or scenes of small-town life.
Early Life
Wood was born in rural Iowa on February 13, 1891. His mother was a schoolteacher and his father was a farmer. His youth was spent working on the family farm and attending country schools. He later attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
During World War I, he joined the US military, where he worked as an artist to design camouflage scenes and other military art. After the war, he worked as a highschool art teacher.
Career
He began his career as a painter in the early 1920’s, moving to Europe for a time to study art. He was influenced by the work of the great Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh and was also interested in German Expressionism.
He returned to the United States in 1924, settling in Iowa. He became interested in painting the American Midwest, and he is often associated with the regionalist movement.
Famous Pieces
Wood painted his most famous art piece, “American Gothic,” in 1930. The painting depicts an old farmer and his daughter in front of their farmhouse. The woman is dressed in a plain dress and the man is holding a pitchfork. The painting has since become an iconic image of Americana.
He married Sara Maxon in 1935, and the couple had two daughters. However his family life was often unhappy, and he had a difficult time dealing with personal tragedy.
Wood died in 1942, at the age of 51. His death was likely due to a combination of alcoholism and liver cancer. Despite his relatively short career, he left a lasting mark on American art. His paintings are characterized by their simple beauty and honest depiction of American life.
Grant Wood: A Life
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