Bellows- Cliff Dwellers, 1913

example of Ashcan painter's subject interest in the urban spectacle. Bellows is later than the period of time between 1908-1913 in which the Ashcan painters held center stage in the painting world, yet is still considered an Ashcan painter. The term Ashcan describes The 8 painters in total, yet 5 of them really reigned during this period while 3 seemed to be less progressive. The first five are Henri, Sloan, Luks, Glackens, and Shinn. Ernest Lawson, Prendergast, and Davies are the lesser known and less important figures still considered Ashcan, and Bellows is grouped on to them after all of the Ashcan fuss happened.
I think the Ashcan painters and their style in general is interesting. The painters vary with different focuses, but for the most part the Ashcan painters were representing the truth of low-class or urban lifestyles.

Why I like Cliff Dwellers:
We're learning that the attitude of many american's in the 1900's to 1950's is that city life is the best life to live. I personally agree with this. The sense of community that takes place in this 'urban spectacle' is amusing to look through. The eye flows in a criss-cross motion throughout the painting, from top to bottom. The general sense of the crowd is not one of poverty or the stress of daily life even though it could be assumed judging from the painting that the figures are representing these ideas through their clothes and the general disorderliness of the crowd.
More interesting is the colors used, which is probably why I payed more attention to it. The palette seen by a lot of Ashcan painters this far seems to be murky grays, whites, and darker cool tones. The palette here is much more vibrant. It brings across the message that the poor experience sunny days as well, and perhaps more freedom from their lack of wealth. There is a feeling of joyousness, as if the street outside the murky small living quarters is a carnival for everyone.
Look at the purple that serves as the shadow on the building, I think this works really well with the buttery tones of the neighboring building, and the vibrant yellow cart in the crowd.