Rocky Mountain Highway by Philip Loring Cheney

Mountains emerge in the distance, creating the perspective of a viewer standing upon a hill overlooking the landscape. The addition of roads throughout the mountain dates to a time when transportation was becoming a vital part of American society. The painting’s impressionist style and proper use of perspective illuminate the artist’s academic training. If one looks closely, one may see the brush strokes used to paint in a muddled yet meticulous way. The style of painting may have easily been influenced by the previous impressionist movement in Europe. Cheney's use of greens and his ability to paint shadows gives viewers a truly natural and realistic portrayal of a mountainous landscape.