The Yosemite Valley 1912

Joseph Pennell made this print of the Yosemite Valley, using dark hatching marks to delineate the valley. It’s like he chiseled the image into existence, carving out the forms with dense lines. I can imagine Pennell standing there, squinting at the scene, trying to capture the scale of the landscape with a few strokes. What do you focus on when faced with such a huge subject? The way the light filters through the trees, or the intimidating height of the rock? Pennell uses the marks to their full potential, creating both shadow and texture to communicate feeling, intention, and meaning. Painters are always in dialogue with one another across time, riffing on ideas, stealing techniques, and pushing the boundaries of what painting can be. Like an interesting conversation, this print invites us to look, linger, and question what we see. There isn't a definitive interpretation, just an ongoing exchange between the artist, the artwork, and you.