Wanda Gag, Two Old Trees


     This painting maybe a bit of a surprise to some of you.  Wanda Gag (1893-1946) is our artist and some of you may remember her from her famous book, Millions of Cats.  It was published in 1928 and is now the oldest children's book still in print.  Not only did she write the book, but she did all the illustrations, and shortly after publishing it won the prestigious Newbury Honor.   I remember reading it as a child, as did many, many children.
   Gag was from New Ulm, Minnesota.  She left as a young woman,  traveling to Saint Paul and Minneapolis where she took art classes.  In 1917 she won a scholarship to the Art Student's League in New York City and from here her  many successes began.  
   It is fitting to feature Gag this week as March 11 is the anniversary of her birth in 1893.  
   I find Two Old Trees an interesting image.  She did this watercolor in 1940 and in her prime as an artist.   In the very center is what is left of an old tree.  It reminds me of something left after a tornado has struck.  And pointing down to it is the branch from the second tree.   The way the two are "united" reminds me of the famous Michelangelo image of God giving life to Adam on the ceiling of the Sistine  Chapel.  Gag's painting flows with movement almost as if there is a heavy wind still blowing.   
   What is confusing to me are the two triangles on the lower left.  I can only assume they were something she saw in the real landscape and kept in the painting to help establish location.   But, that is only a rough guess.   Maybe some readers have a better idea.  It is my belief that most artists do not entirely make up a landscape.  Yes, they interpret, rearrange and even add but the bulk is something they have seen, even in a dream, that they are compelled to bring to canvas.     
  Two Old Trees  is a watercolor on paper.  It is almost 15 inches high, and 20 wide.  It is the property of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and at this time is not on view.   
   Make Art a part of your life, it's a beautiful thing to do. 

Comments

  1. Char HarguthMarch 8, 2021 at 12:35 PM

    I had not seen this painting, but it is not hard to guess the artist. Everything about the scene is interesting. The trees seem to have a personality and are trying to communicate. The dark clouds and the disappearing horizon give it a rather ominous look. Yes, lots of movement that balances the composition.. I think we are viewing from the hilltop and the two roofs are at a lower lever. The path coming out of the building almost looks like a blanket. Limited palette but stark contrasts. I want to see more of what she is viewing on either side!!! Her work is always intriguing.

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