American Gothic By: Grant Wood

Here’s the story… Wood bought the house in the picture in the 1930’s. The house was built in the 1880’s. Because he loved the shape of the windows, he took pictures of his house to paint it in his studio. The house was built in a style known as Carpenter Gothic. Back in his studio he got his sister, Nan, to come in and pose for his painting.

Then, separately from the sister, he invited his dentist, Dr Then, separately from the sister, he invited his dentist, Dr. Byron McKeeby, to pose as the man in the painting. He pictured the two as a farmer and his daughter and he used the pitchfork to represent “farming.” The shape of the pitchfork also was used to emphasize the ovalness of the farmers’ faces.

We will be creating our own version of American Gothic, including in it something we are interested in. Here are a few that other artists have done….

Requirements for “your own” American Gothic Must have a background and at least two objects in the foreground. Must be in full color and have value. Think neat!