Art21: Rackstraw Downes

 Rackstraw Downes

https://art21.org/watch/extended-play/rackstraw-downes-some-painters-short/

Downes' panoramic paintings are vast in depth and give a sense of tranquility.

 

Two of my favorite pieces of Downes' are:

 "At the Confluence of Two Ditches Bordering a Field with Four Radio Towers" (1995)

 

 [ https://www.27east.com/arts/rackstraw-downes-exhibition-opens-at-parrish-art-museum-1371942/ ]

 

 

& "Dunham’s Farm Pond" (1972)

[ https://art21.org/gallery/rackstraw-downes-artwork-survey-1970s/ ]

 

 

Throughout Downes' work, there is a light-valued, muted color palate.  He often uses very flat layers of color—along with round, generous brush strokes—to create his signature realism.  His scenes are horizontal, which gives the viewer a feeling of balance and tranquility.  He does not often choose such classical, picturesque landscapes as "Dunham's Farm Pond."  Many of his pieces find beauty in "ugly," industrial aspects of the everyday modern landscape.  Somehow, in the graceful curve of the power lines in "At the Confluence of Two Ditches Bordering a Field with Four Radio Towers," he creates serene elegance.