One piece that I have loved for years, and was finally able to see in person, is Thomas Moran’s “The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.” This massive painting (96.5” x 68 .5 “) is located at the American Art Museum in Washington DC. Being from Montana, I would visit my grandma and grandpa in Livingston, Montana, and venture into Yellowstone at least once a year. Of all the places in Yellowstone, the Grandcanyon of Yellowstone is by far my absolute favorite. The colors of the cliffs are absolutely uncanny with the ranges of greys, violets, and greens. To see it in person each time never gets boring.
Thomas Moran was part of an expedition in 1871 to explore the Yellowstone Region, which by that time was uncharted. He would have documented over 30 sites in watercolor. Once he returned to New York, he recreated his watercolor studies into oil paintings, using amazing textures for the rocky cliffs and light glazes for the hazy clouds. This painting, among others he created, actually helped convince Congress to establish Yellowstone as the first National Park.
Of all of the paintings I have seen from this area, this one by far captures the feeling and the overwhelming amount of color far better than anything else I have ever seen. Even taking pictures of this area gives it no justice. If you ever make it to Washington DC, I highly recommend stopping at the American Art Museum to see this in person.
