Passing Storm Clouds 1869

Curator: David Johnson painted "Passing Storm Clouds" in 1869. What strikes you immediately? Editor: That looming sky. It almost feels oppressive, yet the scene has this incredible serenity. There’s a visual weight in the clouds, how does this affect its production, do you know more about his process with materiality? Curator: Johnson was a key figure in the second generation of Hudson River School painters, and a master of luminism. The canvas reflects a particularly keen observation of natural effects, and that sky mirrors broader changes happening in American landscape painting at this time, moving toward a deeper exploration of atmosphere and mood, as landscape began shifting to mass appeal and photography increased among popular pastimes. Editor: It's fascinating to think about how artists responded to changing technology and tastes, indeed. To your point, look at the surface! We might not recognize the detail unless considering materiality through close proximity. The clouds look like pigment has been heavily layered almost creating texture. You also notice that in the brushwork used for the trees that adds such tactile density, no? Curator: Absolutely, and if you think about it Johnson's process wasn’t always straightforward. It reflected the dynamics of the art market too, so by engaging the cultural trends in terms of taste as well as consumption, a lot of these artist found favor during these critical times in America. Editor: Yes, while also depicting this romantic vision of untouched nature as a source for solace and renewal in that regard... Johnson also understood material concerns, how to construct depth and volume through layers and tactile details. Curator: Agreed, I would only like to underscore how this vision shaped emerging ideas around conservation at the time. The canvas wasn't just selling canvases; they were shaping ideas. Editor: Thank you, reflecting on the canvas construction in relation to this new lens does shape understanding as we move away from thinking about art for arts sake. Curator: Absolutely.