Thomas Locker: Landscapes
The Classical Landscape
The iconic mountain vista was a mainstay of the Hudson River School and a primary idea in 19th century American painting. For Thomas it represented an idea from primordial memory, seen back through evolution to when we were nomadic peoples on the Savannah, seeking high ground from predators. This high viewpoint allowed us to experience our surroundings in safety and rest. Now, from a postmodern society, we no longer fear the predators but the sense of repose lingers and pervades us when we take in the enormity of nature from a place of security.
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Trees and Paths
The winding path around the tree was a recurring motif in Locker’s work. He saw trees as caretakers of humankind, protecting us and cleansing the air and, as a landscape painter, they are ubiquitous in his work. He was perpetually striving to portray the dual experience of nature: the intimate “on the ground” experience and the sublime and awesome impact of the sweeping mountain vista. His paths often bring you through one to the other and his trees, his magnificent trees, are always there shielding the journey.
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Learn More
Read Landscape painter Thomas Locker dies, by the Daily Freeman
Read Noted area artist Thomas Locker dies, by the Register-Star
Read Hudson River in the Pioneer Valley, by The Valley Advocate
See pictures from Nature’s Majesty, our 2006 Thomas Locker exhibit