Trees 1886

David Johnson made this watercolor painting called "Trees" sometime in the late nineteenth century, a period marked by rapid industrialization in the United States, and a growing environmental consciousness. Johnson, associated with the Hudson River School, often depicted landscapes that resonated with the cultural values of his time. This work, rendered in delicate shades of gray, captures a cluster of trees, their forms softened by the watercolor medium. The choice of subject reflects an appreciation for the natural world, at a time when it was increasingly threatened by urban expansion and industrial activity. However, the monochrome palette and the absence of human figures evoke a sense of solitude and contemplation. Johnson's work invites us to reflect on our relationship with nature, and the emotional experience of being immersed in the landscape. It presents nature not just as a resource, but as a space for personal reflection, a space that seems more pressing than ever.