Descent 

Joshua LaRock created 'Descent' using oil paint on what appears to be a linen canvas. These materials, and the artist's technique, situate the work within a long art historical tradition. Consider how LaRock applied the paint; he uses thin, transparent layers, called glazes, to build up color and form. This meticulous approach, demanding time and patience, results in the painting's smooth surface and luminous quality. The warm, earthy tones reflect the landscape. The texture of the canvas is almost invisible, emphasizing the illusion of depth and realism. Although LaRock engages traditional techniques, 'Descent' also subtly speaks to our contemporary moment. The meticulous labor involved in creating such a realistic image stands in contrast to our era of mass production and digital reproduction. By choosing to depict a scene of solitary transit, LaRock draws attention to the relationship between labor, landscape, and the romantic idealization of the American West. This piece blurs the boundaries between 'high art' and other visual traditions, inviting us to contemplate the cultural values embedded in both.