Moonlight over Rosemont, Colorado c. 1940

Barbara Lucile Maples created this print, Moonlight over Rosemont, Colorado, using a variety of intaglio techniques to create a textured surface, perfect for conveying the rugged landscape. The inky blacks and greens are punctuated by touches of pale yellow, creating a dramatic and moody scene. Look at the mountains—see how they seem to loom over the small buildings nestled in the valley? The artist has achieved depth, not just through the overlapping of forms, but also through the layering of tones. I’m really drawn to the way the light seems to emanate from the buildings, contrasting with the dark, looming mountain in the background. The contrast is beautiful and slightly unsettling. It reminds me of early 20th-century printmakers like, Rockwell Kent or even Whistler, who were masters of mood and atmosphere. It leaves you with a sense of wonder and maybe a touch of unease. Art, like moonlight, can be so multifaceted.