Catching the Thanksgiving Turkey 1943

Grandma Moses, as she was fondly known, painted "Catching the Thanksgiving Turkey" using humble materials: oil on board. Look closely, and you can see the directness of her technique. The paint is applied in simple strokes, building up the image with layers of color. The texture of the board peeks through, adding to the work’s naive charm. Moses wasn't formally trained; she started painting in earnest later in life, capturing scenes from her rural upbringing. Her style reflects a close connection to the land and its traditions. The scene feels immediate and personal, like a memory brought to life. Consider the labor involved, not just in the painting, but in the very act of catching and preparing a turkey for a holiday feast. Moses elevates this everyday work, reminding us of the value in simple, handmade things. Her paintings celebrate these traditions, offering a window into a way of life that’s both familiar and distant. By embracing the materials and techniques of folk art, Moses challenges our ideas about what art can be.