Trees 1895

Editor: This is Denman Waldo Ross's "Trees," a rather small print. The monochromatic blue gives it a melancholic feel. What do you see in this piece from a formalist perspective? Curator: The composition is intriguing; the artist contrasts the solid forms of the trees with the hazy, atmospheric background, creating a dynamic tension between line and field. Note how the values, though limited, establish spatial depth. Editor: It’s interesting how the artist focuses on the structure and relationship of the trees rather than detailed representation. Curator: Precisely. It prompts us to consider the essence of "treeness" rather than a specific tree. The limited palette, as you observed, focuses our attention on form and texture. Editor: I see how focusing on the formal elements highlights the artist's intent, revealing a deeper understanding of the subject. Curator: Indeed. A formalist approach allows us to see beyond the surface and appreciate the underlying structure.