By: Noreen Kompanik ~
Every artist finds a source of inspiration that unlocks their creative talents and resonates in their work. Here are some well-known American artists and the beloved places where they found their inner muse. (not sure is needed — Places we can experience too.)
Edward Hopper | Gloucester, Massachusetts
Born in Nyack, New York, American realist artist Edward Hopper became well known for his magnificent watercolors and oil paintings featuring American life and landscapes illustrating stunning seascapes and rural scenes.
In 1912, this unhappy and uninspired artist traveled to Gloucester, Massachusetts hoping for a fresh perspective. Here in America’s oldest seaport, Hopper created his initial outdoor paintings and the first of many lighthouse depictions.
Andy Warhol | New York City
A leader in pop art movement, Andy Warhol is famous for silkscreen paintings of yes, Campbell’s Soup Cans and iconic characters like Marilyn Monroe. Born in Pittsburgh, he later moved to New York to pursue graphic arts. His work is so renowned that while visiting New York’s Museum of Modern Art, my 10-year-old granddaughter recognized his work.
Georgia O’Keeffe | New Mexico
Recognized as the “Mother of American Modernism,” Georgia O’Keeffe first visited New Mexico in 1917 and the stark beauty of its landscape drew her like a moth to a flame.
Afterward she spent half of every year on her beloved 12-acre Ghost Ranch near historic Abiquiu. Her Southwest landscapes along with other incredible works are on display in her fascinating museum in Santa Fe.
Jackson Pollock | Los Angeles, California
Though most of this radical artist’s life was spent in New York, California provided a major influence on his work. Here Pollock was introduced to a sect promoting metaphysical spirituality.
These spiritual explorations led him to embrace theories of psychologist Carl Jung and portray unconscious imagery in his paintings.
Pollock is most known for his drip painting, an abstract art form of dripping and splashing colors onto a canvas, then using tools or his own body to complete the piece.
Alexander Calder | Paris
Most famous for his invention of the mobile with abstract shapes moving in response to touch or air currents, Alexander Calder was a genius in the elements of cosmic imagery, movement, and… creating fun.
His lifelong fascination with the circus inspired the creation of his famous Cirque Calder while living in Paris. The complex miniature and awe-inspiring reproduction of an actual Ringling Bros. Circus constructed from wire, cork, wood, cloth, and other materials drew admirers from all over the world.
Pablo Picasso once said that “Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” These artists created everyday-life imagery from places they loved that inspired them most. And for that, we’re truly grateful. As soon as we can travel these fabulous destinations may inspire you too.
