Cradling Wheat, 1939, lithograph, Thomas Hart Benton

Thomas Hart Benton studied at the Art Institute of Chicago from 1907 to1908.  He then continued his schooling in Paris, attending both the Académie Julian and the Académie Collarossi.  In 1911, Benton moved to New York City to begin his artistic career, attempting to find his voice in the styles of the time.  His experience as a draftsman in the U.S. Navy from 1918 to 1919 led to his realist style.  He felt that art should be an expression of his surroundings rather than abstract ideals.  Benton's scenes of everyday life draw from American social history and folklore, as he believed the ordinary person most exemplified American life.  In 1935, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where he remained for the rest of his life.