Branding Iron c. 1942

Eugene Upton made this painting of two branding irons, probably in the late twentieth century. What's fascinating to me is the way Upton has rendered these rusty tools with such care, almost like portraits. Look at the texture! The surface of each iron is built up with layers of small marks, creating a sense of depth and dimension. The colors are mostly earthy browns and oranges, but there are also subtle hints of blue and green that give the painting a kind of luminous quality. Notice how Upton has paid attention to the play of light and shadow on the metal, accentuating the curves and angles of the irons. It’s like he's inviting us to appreciate the beauty of these everyday objects, even though they're worn and weathered. It reminds me of the work of Charles Sheeler, who also found beauty in industrial forms. Upton’s painting, like Sheeler's, suggests that art can be found in the most unexpected places.