Valley of Babbling Waters, Southern Utah c. 1875

Thomas Moran made this watercolor on paper to depict the Valley of Babbling Waters in Southern Utah. With thin washes, he builds up the color to create a sense of depth and light, typical for landscapes from this period. Moran's application of watercolor demonstrates control over the materials and is remarkable for its time. Look closely, and you’ll see how the white of the paper shines through, especially in the peaks of the distant mountains. This shows how he carefully built up the painting layer by layer. He also allowed the fluidity of the paint to dictate the forms that emerge. The soft edges and blending of colors create an ethereal quality, emphasizing the sublime beauty of the natural landscape. The social context of this painting is tied to the expansion of the American West and the growing interest in its unique landscapes. The use of watercolor allowed for easy transportation of materials and quick execution of sketches, making it ideal for artists documenting these remote regions. In the end, Moran's work speaks to the cultural fascination with nature, and the artistic exploration of new territories during a time of industrial and social change.