Climb Positive

Sunset on Mt. Tamalpais and William Keith


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Saturday Edition of Motivational Mindset
Wrote this back in college. Think paintings like this still stand the test of time.
Deep look at the painting Sunset Glow on Mt.Tamalpais by William Keith.
The painting Sunset Glow on Mt Tamalpais was created in 1896 by William Keith. It is a fairly large paining as can be seen from the size ("The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art - Collections"). The size is unframed: 36 3/16 x 72 7/16 inches (91.92 x 183.99 cm), Framed: 51 3/16 x 87 1/4 inches (130.02 x 221.62 cm) ("The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art - Collections").
The painting is iconic in nature and leaves the viewer with a grand view of nature’s majestic scenery. The first time I viewed this painting at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art I became memorized by the distinct art style and portrayal of nature, thus, the reason why I chose this painting. The unique style of William Keith immediately transports the viewer to a remote place of the earth where nature dominates and mountains rise in the distance. Let’s now take a formal, iconographic, and historic view of this painting, also, including background history of the artist.
In order to gain a firm understanding of the painting at hand. Let’s take a further look at the history behind the artist William Keith. After gaining knowledge regarding the artist we then can take an educated look at the painting to find nuances that would not otherwise be found without the artist’s history. William Keith is a Scottish American artist who resided in California during his prime ("William Keith Collection "). Likewise, he was a leading artist in the San Francisco area at the end of the nineteenth century ("William Keith Collection "). Personally, I have never heard of this artist before viewing his paintings. Similarly, as can be seen from his works, I have been missing out on an amazing scenic history. William Keith’s has the ability to portray nature with brushstrokes that brings on a plethora of emotions as can be seen from his depictions of mountains and forests. Therefore, this is one of the reasons why he received high praise for his works throughout his career.
Now, let’s take a look at Keith’s roots which propelled his art throughout his career. Keith was born in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1838 ("Taos Painters: William Keith (1838 - 1911)"). This allowed him to retain an understanding of culture outside of America. This diverse cultural understanding helped Will Keith retain a unique perspective in comparison to other artists in the region. In conclusion, I would find it hard to believe that William Keith did not draw from his European background.
In 1859 his family emigrated from Scotland where he then served as an apprentice as a wood engraver ("Taos Painters: William Keith (1838 - 1911)"). Interestingly, his experience as wood engraver would have had a profound impact on his works of art. This trade would have assisted him in learning textures and a steady hand when creating art. I find it fascinating how a similar job can later assist an artist throughout their portfolio.
Furthermore, one can see the influences people have on an artist’s style. Keith’s future wife introduced Keith to water colors ("Taos Painters: William Keith (1838 - 1911)"). To me, this represents a turning point in his career, it is entirely possible the whole reason why he was successful as an artist was because his wife encouraged him to paint. Sometimes the root of a painter’s ability to be successful is from the people support them.
William Keith can be considered a trained artist. Before he met his wife he first received training from Samuel Brookes ("Taos Painters: William Keith (1838 - 1911)"). For anyone, training will affect their craft. This would have had a profound influence on William Keith in regards to his style. Also, this is much like the artist of the past who trained as apprentices to perfect their art.
Leaving little room for doubt, Keith’s one of Keith’s goals as an artist was to represent natu
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Climb PositiveBy Nick Bennett

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