Albert Bierstadt and Ansel Adams The American West as Artistic Inspiration Bierstadt- 1830 to 1902 Adams- 1902 to 1984

Bierstadt 19th Century American Painter Member of the Hudson Valley School Traveled through the American West as far as California His Works were an introduction to the American West for many people on the East Coast

Adams 20th Century Photographer Best Known for Photos of the American West Yosemite National Park From San Francisco, California

The American West has long been a source of artistic inspiration for Authors, Artists, Filmmakers and others. Since the early days of the United States, Explorers have been attracted to the Romance and Adventure embodied by the American West. Albert Bierstadt and Ansel Adams both used the Landscapes of the American West in their works. In particular, California was a source of Artistic Inspiration for both men.

Seascapes The Coast of California and the Pacific Ocean This was my first Bierstadt.

Seascapes San Francisco Bay

Waterfalls Bridal Veil Falls Yosemite National Park

Waterfalls Yosemite Falls Yosemite National Park

Mountains and Peaks Cathedral Rocks Yosemite National Park The influence- even subconscious- that Bierstadt had on Adams is clearly seen here.

Mountains and Peaks El Capitan Yosemite National Park

Storm Clouds

Further Information The Smithsonian in Washington, DC has a number of Bierstadt pieces: www.si.edu The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art offered an exhibit on Ansel Adams to celebrate his 100th birthday: www.sfmoma.org