Softcover paper back book by Wende Elliott and William Balthazar Rose

“Iconic regionalist American artist Grant Wood certainly left his mark on the international art world - and on Iowa, his home state. Wood’s American Gothic is one of the most recognizable paintings in the world, and his work graces museums far and wide.

Now you can tour Iowa with a thoughtful, detailed exploration of Wood’s life and the historical context of his work. Grant Wood’s Iowa explores Wood’s role in the art world with self-guided museum tours and detailed discussions of his work, but it also allows you to get out into the Iowa he loved - a place that hasn’t changed all that much since Wood’s era. You’ll find nature hikes and parks where you’ll enjoy the landscapes that inspired Wood; county fairs and art festivals that celebrate Wood and the rural character of his beloved home; modern ecoattractions, theaters, and wineries; and the studios and galleries of the Iowa artists who are Wood’s heirs. This beautiful book, brimming with full-color photos, will be as interesting and helpful on the road with you while you ecplore as it will be appealing on the coffee table at home to delve into at your leisure.

In order to understand Wood’s work, one must first understand the Iowa he lived in - a rural agricultural state in the slow process of urbanization. This unique guide allows you to fully appreciate Iowa’s role in nurturing Wood’s wit, humor, and enormous talent. It also explains his leading role in the Midwestern regionalism art movement and introduces us to other major Iowa artists who were contemporaries influenced by Wood.

The only book of its kind, Grant Wood’s Iowa assists vacationing and resident art aficionados in understanding and appreciating Wood’s important body of work in the cultural and environmental context of his home state. Wood’s life is lovingly detailed, from his childhood on the farm to his adulthood teaching and working in Iowa’s small-town communities. Grant Wood’s Iowa transports art lovers into the creative world of this iconic and quintessentially American artist.”

Painter William Balthazar Rose exhibits in Italy, England, and the United States and has taught at UC Berkeley and Princeton University. Wende Elliot is a writer, organic farmer, and activist for organic and fair-trade food. She has also taught at Iowa State University. This is their first book.

ISBN: 9780881509922

Published by The Countryman Press