Exhibition Overview: Paper Trees at The High Museum, Atlanta
Current Exhibition
Dates: July 31, 2026 – February 21, 2027
William Thomas Livesay’s Large Oak Tree (1985), an etching, engraving, and watercolor on paper, is part of The High Museum’s collection, gifted by Katherine and Richard B. Jones.
In his renowned drawing manual Lessons on Trees (1850), James Duffield Harding identifies trees as challenging subjects for artists, emphasizing their unique roots, trunks, branches, and leaves. The exhibition Paper Trees explores the artistic representation of trees in American art through a range of sketches and finished works created from the late nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century. By focusing on techniques and artistic processes, this exhibition also highlights the evolving attitudes toward nature during a time of burgeoning interest in conservation.
The show traces the interplay between cultural and artistic advancements, examining how art and design can visually interpret the natural world.
Featured Works
The Oak and the Adobe, 1919
Artist: Ernest Haskell
Ernest Haskell’s work illustrates a majestic oak tree sheltering a rural home, symbolizing nature’s dual role as a comfort and protector. This etching exemplifies Haskell’s mastery in depicting shadow and light.
High Museum of Art, Atlanta, 58.89.
Discoveries in Contentment, 1938
Artist: Walter Ronald Locke
This etching reflects Locke’s artistic style, adding depth to his understanding of the natural world in the context of American art.
High Museum of Art, Atlanta, 1991.182.
Two Pines #2, 1964
Artist: David C. Driskell
For over forty-five years, Driskell explored the essence of the pine tree, employing vivid colors and dynamic brushwork to convey its spiritual significance.
High Museum of Art, Atlanta, 2000.203. © Estate of David C. Driskell.
Jacob Wrestling with the Angel, ca. 1990
Artist: Bessie Harvey
Harvey’s work uses natural materials to evoke a powerful biblical narrative through the manipulation of wood.
High Museum of Art, Atlanta, 2005.208. © 2026 Estate of Bessie Harvey / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
Restless Leaves Vase, 1988
Artist: Michelle Holzapfel
Holzapfel’s unique sculpture emphasizes the irregular beauty of wood, reflecting its inherent dynamic forces.
High Museum of Art, Atlanta, 2014.407.
Untitled (Tree Trunk), ca. 1910
Artist: Joseph Stella
This etching reflects Stella’s fascination with the natural world, using expert technique to maximize contrast and detail.
High Museum of Art, Atlanta, 1995.158.
The Ashepoo Swamp, early 20th century
Artist: Alice Ravenel Huger Smith
Smith’s watercolor captures the essence of the American landscape, embodying her skillful technique.
High Museum of Art, Atlanta, J. J. Haverty Collection, 25.2.
Exhibition Support
This exhibition is organized by The High Museum of Art, Atlanta. Significant contributions have been made by various sponsors and supporters, fostering the continuation of this impactful exhibition series.
