Five important works from the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum

Blue Line (1919) was created early in O’Keeffe’s career and is a key example of the abstract flower paintings that made her famous. By showing parts of the plant up close, O’Keeffe celebrates the simple harmony of basic forms.

The exact subjects O’Keeffe represented are sometimes unclear. We know, however, that in making this painting O’Keeffe was looking at a branch. The fact that this branch also resembles a river may be what drew her to it—illustrating the similarities of forms in nature.

In 1918, O’Keeffe moved to New York City. This new setting also brought about a shift in subjects, including cityscapes and skyscrapers such as the tower painted here.

In 1929 O’Keeffe spent the summer in New Mexico where she encountered a new array of subjects. Ram’s Head, Blue Morning Glory (1938) pairs two of these—united by their symmetry and strong silhouettes.

O’Keeffe traveled widely, at a time when commercial flights were still a novelty. Above the Clouds I (1962-3) forms part of a series of paintings inspired by this aerial view. It invites each of us to continue seeking new perspectives.