Artwork copyright Robert Graves. Photo courtesy of the artist.

River Series, Dark Waters, 1996

Robert Graves
(American, born 1929, died 2013)

Location: Warden Elementary/Middle/High School, Warden

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

River Series, Dark Waters is an expressive monotype print by artist Robert Graves. The abstract imagery uses layers of color to reference natural elements. Of his compositions, Graves notes "my object is not to copy nature, but relate on the canvas certain entities of personal expression. This may be somewhat like stopping the natural process of growth and decay for an instant and exposing a condition that is worthy of meaning as an art form…" Monotypes are unique prints created by painting directly onto the printing plate.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Warden School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Late artist Robert Graves (1929-2013) lived and worked in Wenatchee in Central Washington, where he taught art at Wenatchee Valley College for 32 years. In 1976 he founded and directed the college's community art gallery, which was renamed in his honor in 2007. His abstract paintings and prints are expressive explorations and abstractions of the Northwest environment.