Americana Art is often a style misunderstood as simply patriotic flags and Uncle Sam figures incorporated into paintings. The term Americana is wide ranging and, when put into the context of an art category, will comprise many different images that reflect the charm and nostalgia of America鈥檚 past. See many examples of Americana art, both original paintings and limited edition prints, at Art of America Past.

As the term suggests, Americana reflects the history, traditions, folklore, artifacts and even the culture of the United States. As a painter of Americana Art, David Hasler finds a rich array of subject matter available. Old farms, rural log cabins and wagons reflect our heritage in landscapes. Still life paintings incorporate all type of historic artifacts, from stoneware jugs and crocks to decoys and tin lanterns. The quaint nostalgic charm of even everyday utilitarian ware can easily find its way into Americana paintings. It is more a”feeling” these antique pieces give to the viewer.

Culturally, our national recognition can be described in the term Americana. The famous saying: “Mom, apple pie, hot dogs, baseball, and Chevrolet” sums up the feel of America鈥檚 charm. We have a material culture that is easily recognized by genres such as: roadside diners, cowboys, Superman, carnivals, etc. Imagine a weathered Coca-Cola sign on an old garage from the 1940’s or 1950s, or a farm scene with a John Deere tractor. These are all Americana images which are a testimony to our material culture鈥檚 popularity. They depict a sense of yesterday, of comfort, of home and stability.

Possibly the most original form of Americana Art is traditional folk art. Paintings were executed by the hand of untrained artists who would paint a portrait or a view of the family farm for a meal and lodging. Decoy carvers did not produce their lures as works of art to be placed on the mantel, but as utilitarian hunting objects. Grandma Moses remains probably the most famous of the self-taught folk artists. She worked in a naive primitive style

using true Americana images. As the country grew, more formally trained artists emerged and even lithograph prints appeared for sale to the general public. Currier and Ives is the most remembered of these artisans, releasing scenes from America depicting genres from farm life and historic events to river boats and winter sleighs. In modern times, Norman Rockwell embellished the traditional charm of Americana Art as a master artist.

Americana Art is a recollection of our past. It depicts our unique history, sense of patriotism, the items used by our ancestors in their way of life, and the culture that has developed from popular imagery. It is a unique slice of the American experience. Learn more about artist David Hasler.