Cosmic Cities Grand Canyon Of Arizona Essay
Arthur Wesley Dow’s, Cosmic Cities, Grand Canyon of Arizona, highlights his use of gestural marks, combined perspectives, and color to explore the awe inspiring grandeur of this natural landmark. In addition, he uses strong gestural marks combined with straight color application create a sense of emotion and the sublime, while capturing the immensity of the canyon. His composition is large scale and uses long diagonals and short quick strokes to strengthen the rock formations. There is a prominent use of complementary colors that makes everything pop in contrast to his use of less vibrant colors. The colors evoke a sense of wonder and mystery. There is dominant and clear interest in light reflecting on the rock formations. All of these element
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One can see his interest in light and reflection through his use of blues to create the many shadows. Dow uses atmospheric perspective heavily throughout the top third of the painting. This helps enhance and further the illusion of depth. The middle and foreground have weight to them and are relatively realistic in rendering. However, the background loses its form and rather becomes somewhat abstracted and more about color. There is only the impression of the remaining canyon. The lines of the rock formations lead the eye diagonally across the entirety of the canvas towards the foreground. The most contrast is found between the foreground and the background, and this reinforces the sense of depth. Therefore, the immensity of the canyon pushes the idea of awe.
The uttermost unifying piece of this artwork is the color. The use of atmospheric perspective relies on the color palette. It heightens the ephemeral quality of light and nature because it is constantly changing. The blues and purples are subtle and encompass the majority of the canvas. The blues are minutely changed and layered against one another. Dow’s color palette is made up of only complimentary colors that strengthen the contrast and reinforce the inspiring nature of light and form. Greens and reds are prominent in the foreground and appear grid like giving each level of rock
One can see his interest in light and reflection through his use of blues to create the many shadows. Dow uses atmospheric perspective heavily throughout the top third of the painting. This helps enhance and further the illusion of depth. The middle and foreground have weight to them and are relatively realistic in rendering. However, the background loses its form and rather becomes somewhat abstracted and more about color. There is only the impression of the remaining canyon. The lines of the rock formations lead the eye diagonally across the entirety of the canvas towards the foreground. The most contrast is found between the foreground and the background, and this reinforces the sense of depth. Therefore, the immensity of the canyon pushes the idea of awe.
The uttermost unifying piece of this artwork is the color. The use of atmospheric perspective relies on the color palette. It heightens the ephemeral quality of light and nature because it is constantly changing. The blues and purples are subtle and encompass the majority of the canvas. The blues are minutely changed and layered against one another. Dow’s color palette is made up of only complimentary colors that strengthen the contrast and reinforce the inspiring nature of light and form. Greens and reds are prominent in the foreground and appear grid like giving each level of rock