Two Landscape Sketches 19th-20th century

Editor: Here we have "Two Landscape Sketches" by Denman Waldo Ross from the Harvard Art Museums. It's a watercolor work, seemingly capturing two different perspectives of the same body of water. It feels very impressionistic and immediate to me. What stands out to you? Curator: Well, given Ross's interest in art education and design theory, I wonder if these aren't simply landscapes, but rather demonstrations of different compositional approaches. How might the cultural emphasis on landscape painting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries have shaped Ross's choices, even in these sketches? Editor: So you're suggesting he's using these sketches to teach, almost like visual examples? Curator: Precisely. Think about the role of art schools and museums in defining "good" art during this period. Ross was deeply involved in that system. What impact might that have on his artistic output? Editor: That adds a whole new layer. I was just appreciating the pretty colors! Thanks, that really opens up how I see this piece.