American Gothic

By Susan Wood, Ross MacDonald (Illustrator)

Discover the origins of an iconic painting that redefined American art.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 111 ratings

40 pages

$18.95Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Grant Wood, from sketching Iowa's landscapes to shaping regionalism, sought a style that resonated with his vision. In Europe, he found inspiration in Gothic art, leading to the creation of an iconic American masterpiece. Back home, he painted 'American Gothic,' capturing the essence of hardworking Americans. This picture-book biography delves into the journey of an artist who transformed the art world by reflecting the everyday lives of his countrymen. What drove Grant to redefine art, and how did his unique vision come to life in a single, unforgettable image?

From the publisher

From humble beginnings sketching Iowa’s cornfields and rolling hills as a child, Grant Wood became the father of regionalism, an artistic movement that celebrated the simple and real-life surroundings of the people. When studying art in Europe in the early 20th century, Grant couldn’t find a style that touched his heart quite right. Impressionism, cubism, and abstract art didn’t reflect his view of the world. It wasn’t until he stumbled upon Gothic art that Grant recognized something familiar. Back home in America, Grant asked his sister and his dentist to pose for what would become the founding, iconic image of regionalism and a uniquely American work of art. Grant’s art celebrated hard-working Americans who finally saw themselves in fine art. American Gothic is a picture-book biography that explores the birth of the famous painting, the movement that made it possible, and the artist who created it all.

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