Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams: Natural Affinities

by Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, Barbara Buhler Lynes (Contributor), Sandra S. Phillips (Contributor)

Ansel Adams and Georgia O'Keeffe first met in Taos, New Mexico, in 1929. She was already an established artist, while he was at the beginning of his career. Their friendship lasted for the rest of their lives.

GEORGIA O'KEEFE AND ANSEL NATURAL AFFINITIES suggests parallels in their distinctive visions of both natural and human-made environments and illustrates the artists' achievements in capturing the reality and essence of the world around them. More than 100 beautifully reproduced paintings and photographs are accompanied by critical essays on Adams and O'Keeffe and a biographical essay on the friendship between Adams, O'Keeffe, and Alfred Stieglitz.

Genres: Art, Photography, Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

First published September 10, 2008

Reviews

[Natalie Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This book accompanied an exhibit at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and it a wonderful weaving of O’Keeffe’s and Adams’ life works. There are beautiful images for both that tell their stories as well as three essays that give background on their lives and art. It also provides the relationship both had with Alfred Stieglitz that was a key component for both of their commercial successes. Highly recommended.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

O'Keeffe and Adams were contemporary modern American Artists. Both knew each other and were promoted by Steiglitz, O'Keeffe's husband. I enjoyed the book and it helped understand both.

[Derek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book focused a lot on the lives and relationships of Adam’s, O’Keefe, and their shared circle. It did a good job of tying their work together through shared references to America’s landscape. I would have preferred if there was more analysis of individual works.

[Deigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a little tough to review a book like this as about 3/4 of the book are reproductions of Adams and O'Keeffe's prints and they are wonderfully reproduced. However, in addition there are 3 long essays about the relationship between the two of them and many other photographers and artists of the middle of the 20th century. I found the first two essays fascinating reading but the 3rd drug a bit for me due to the detail and all the names in the art world of the time I was not familiar with. The 3rd essay would be best for someone with an art history background. Overall I found this book really worth it and will display the plates on my coffee table changing them daily until I make it through the book.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous book with lots of full sized pictures. The girls and I have been having a great time flipping though this and being inspired. I didn't realize that Ansel Adams and Georgia O'Keeffe were even contemporaries, let alone friends for 50 years. This book almost makes me wish me had taken the job in New Mexico and completely makes me want to explore the beauties where we live.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

how can you go wrong with Ansel Adams & Georgia O'Keefe in the same book?! Beautiful.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.