Under the Trees 1865

Thomas Moran painted ‘Under the Trees’ using oil paints, a process that involves suspending pigment in a drying oil. Moran likely built this painting up with layers of thin glazes, working from dark to light to create luminous effects and build up depth. Oil paint is very flexible in that the artist can easily blend colors on the canvas, add fine detail, and create a realistic depiction of the natural world. As an artist of the Hudson River School, Moran was associated with celebrating the grandeur of the American landscape. But think about the amount of work that went into making this image: gathering and grinding pigments, preparing canvases, the sheer labor of representing a convincing scene. Seen in this light, ‘Under the Trees’ becomes more than just a pretty picture; it’s a testament to the artist’s labor, skill, and a tangible connection to the natural world, reminding us that even in the realm of fine art, materials and process are essential to meaning.