Rock Towers of the Rio Virgin 

Thomas Moran made this painting, Rock Towers of the Rio Virgin, using oil paint on canvas. Moran belonged to the Hudson River School, and was well-known for his landscapes of the American West. Take a look at the way Moran has used his materials here. The texture of the oil paint gives a physical presence to the scene, and its rich colors capture the beauty and drama of the landscape. Look at the way light interacts with the textured paint, creating depth and atmosphere. Moran built his reputation on these grand vistas, which tapped into a sense of national identity and expansionist spirit. Importantly, paintings like this were also commodities, marketed to wealthy patrons eager to own a piece of the American frontier. The very act of painting became entwined with economic and social forces shaping the West. Moran's art reminds us that even landscapes are made.