Coalyard II 1942

Edward Landon made this print, Coalyard II, using wood engraving, I imagine, sometime in the mid-20th century. The palette here is so muted, almost grey, red and blue, making it feel nostalgic. I’m immediately drawn to the geometric shapes and how they create a sense of depth and space. The steam coming from the building is a gorgeous and atmospheric touch. It’s not just an industrial scene; it's a moment frozen in time. You can almost feel the cold air and smell the coal. Landon's work reminds me of other artists who were capturing the everyday rhythms of American life during that period, like Ralston Crawford, for example. There is an ongoing conversation between artists, and each one is inspired by the ones who came before. It’s like they’re all in a room, bouncing ideas off each other.