Grandma Moses: An American Original

American Artists

by William C. Ketchum Jr.

Presents the life and accomplishments of Anna Mary Robertson, the artist who was known as Grandma Moses, describing her development as an artist, with critiques of her major paintings.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, History

80 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[ChristineK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grandma Moses An American Original is an overview of the life and art of Anna Mary Robertson Moses. I liked the pictures of the works chosen, and the way parts of larger paintings were blown up to show detail. It is brief compared to other books I've read about Grandma Moses, yet covers a lot of information, even going into her needlework influences and showing some of her fiber art pictures. The author shows her presidential commission "Eisenhower Home" and the battle scene "The Battle of Bennington". Enjoyable to read and a delight for the eyes.

[Lenore Kuipers-Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

"They call her an American Icon". Her name is synonymous with American folk art. She is known worldwide. She was born Anna Mary Robertson in 1860. She lived until the age of 101, seeing the Civil War and two World Wars, the invention of the car, airplane, and so many other inventions. You may know her as "Grandma Moses".
This book shows and explains 70 full-color illustrations. She primarily lived a rural life, and that's what she painted. She began her career in her seventies.
She was born in Washington County, New York where her parents were farmers. She was one of 10 children.
She married Thomas Moses in 1887, and moved to the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. They returned to New York State in 1905. This is when her career began. She was 67 years old. Her work was loved because it was simple, direct, and honest. She was honored by United States presidents from Harry Truman to John F. Kennedy. She corresponded with Winston Churchill, and had her birthday proclaimed to be "Grandma Moses Day" twice by Governor Rockefeller in New York State.
I had never really looked at her work before, until now. It is so colorful and honest. She always shows the beautiful scenery around her subject, and it is so realistic, it's almost as though you could walk into the painting. The people are so real, and are always busy doing whatever it is that they do. This book was so worth the read, I will be looking at the paintings again and again.














Kennedy. She corresponded

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great review of Grandma Moses ! Loved all the pictures - bringing in some of the detail to see it better and all the tales of Grandma Moses life!

[Pamela Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A renewed appreciation for artists who documented rural domestic and farming life through their art. Also a wonderful story in support of you are never too old to try something new!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book on Grandma Moses’ art. Checked out from the library, Would love to own this

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgeous pictures along with intresting text about Grandma Moses and her work.

[Carolyn]

Great Book. I really enjoyed it.