Man at the Crossroad 1924

Dean Cornwell made "Man at the Crossroad" with a painterly approach, all browns and grays, it feels like the process of layering paint was his way of figuring things out. I love the way the dark palette pulls you in. It's like the painting is whispering a secret. Check out the dragon-like shadow slinking above the figures, it's got this graphic punch that makes the whole scene jump. The brushstrokes are thick and juicy, you can almost feel the weight of the paint. The way Cornwell lays down these marks, it's all about capturing the grit and shadows of the alleyway. It’s a bit Hopper-esque, but with a touch of graphic novel drama. Cornwell leaves you pondering the story and the mystery of the shadows.