Marsden Hartley
Today we present one of twenty artworks produced while the American artist Marsden Hartley lived in Mexico. After receiving a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1931, Hartley chose to spend a year painting and studying there, arriving in March 1932. Earth Warming is thought to have been painted in Cuernavaca in 1932.
The painting portrays a rugged, mountainous terrain, though it eschews naturalism. The brilliant red rock formations seem to absorb the sun's rich, reflective hues. The painting contrasts warm and cool colors against the backdrop of a clear blue sky and billowing white clouds, conveying a sense of spirituality—the unseen forces at play in nature. Hartley's fascination with mountains and monolithic structures was a constant theme in his work, irrespective of his location. These imposing forms consistently underscored nature's overwhelming dominance over humanity.
Today is Frida Kahlo's birthday, but due to copyrights we can't show her works. This is why we decided to present this beautiful Mexican landscape. Also, on the occasion of Frida's birthday anniversary, we're giving you a 25% discount on our amazing Feel Frida Socks, which you can buy in our DailyArt Shop. :)
P.S. Marsden Hartley was a groundbreaking modernist, ostracized from the art world at the height of his career. Learn more about his story. If you want to celebrate Frida's art, see the articles below.