John M. Socha

American, 1913 - 1983

Explore selected works

The image shows a desolate landscape with a tall cylindrical tower and a flat-roofed building atop a rugged hill. The horizon is low, lined by the structures. The sky has swirling clouds. In the foreground are broken wooden fences and a leafless tree on the right. The scene is rendered in bold black and white brushstrokes, creating a stormy quality. The color palette is black, white, and gray.
John M. Socha, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Wreckage, c. 1940, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.527

Wreckage

John M. Socha, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · c. 1940 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.527

The image depicts a snowy rural scene with several structures. Rolling hills and dense trees create a natural boundary that is slightly elevated. In the foreground, there is a winding snowy path leading to a cluster of rustic buildings, including a barn and smaller cabins. Two horses stand near the barn. Tall, dark trees rise steeply on the left, while the trees on the right have varying heights and blend into the hills in the distance. The lithographic technique utilizes soft, textured brushstrokes to create depth. The color palette is monochromatic, with shades of black, white, and gray emphasizing the wintry setting. Soft gradients and shadowing enhance the serene atmosphere of the scene.
John M. Socha, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Snowed In, c. 1940, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.523

Snowed In

John M. Socha, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · c. 1940 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.523

The image shows a landscape seen from an elevated viewpoint, with a natural rock arch framing the scene. A mountain range is visible in the distance where the sky meets the land, and clouds hang low. The artwork features textured brushstrokes creating a dynamic effect on the rock formations and vegetation. A monochrome color palette of blacks, whites, and greys is used to emphasize light and shadow. A twisted tree with swirling branches is on the left, while a village with a church is in the background. Large cliffs on the right cast shadows, adding depth to the composition.
John M. Socha, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Mountains and Taxco, c. 1940, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.522

Mountains and Taxco

John M. Socha, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · c. 1940 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.522

The image shows a winter landscape with snow-covered hills and trees. There are mounds of snow and vertical rock formations nearby. A body of water reflects the scenery. In the distance, there are more hills and trees blending into the sky. The style features detailed linework and shading for texture. The color palette is monochrome, using black, white, and gray. Smooth shadow gradation enhances the sense of vastness and tranquility.
John M. Socha, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Winter's First Symphony, c. 1940, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.525

Winter's First Symphony

John M. Socha, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · c. 1940 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.525

The image shows three women standing together, their bodies slightly turned towards each other. The central woman has a serious expression and their heads are covered with dark shawls. The background features a mountainous landscape with a church-like building, surrounded by smaller houses. The buildings are depicted in a monochromatic style.
John M. Socha, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Women in Black, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.526

Women in Black

John M. Socha, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.526

The image shows a landscape view from a slightly elevated angle, displaying the aftermath of a storm. The horizon is not distinct as the land and sky blend into one another with swirling clouds. A cylindrical tower stands prominently to the left of the center, while a dilapidated structure resembling a damaged barn or house is seen to the right. Debris and fallen structures are scattered close by. The brushstrokes are expressive and dynamic, conveying movement and chaos with bold lines. The color palette is monochromatic, using shades of black, white, and gray to emphasize the somber mood of the scene.
John M. Socha, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), After the Storm, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.520

After the Storm

John M. Socha, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.520

The image depicts a viewpoint from below looking up a hill where structures are positioned. The horizon is near the top, showing a sloping landscape dominated by structures like a house, barn, and windmill surrounded by tall trees. The style is illustrative with bold brushstrokes, and the color palette is monochromatic in black and grey. Close by, a steep rock face is portrayed with angular lines and shading, with structures and trees becoming more defined towards the horizon where the sky is filled with swirling clouds.
John M. Socha, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Where Godfrey Lives, 1938, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.524

Where Godfrey Lives

John M. Socha, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · 1938 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.524

The image shows a landscape with mountains, town, and a tree. The horizon is in the upper third of the image where mountains fade into the distance under a cloudy sky. A town with distinct buildings and towers is seen in the far distance, nestled among rocky cliffs. Brushstrokes depict a mix of lines and textures creating form and depth in the rocks and clouds. A tree with swirling branches stands out in the foreground against the rocky landscape. The color palette is monochromatic, with shades of gray and black creating contrasts in the composition.
John M. Socha, Federal Art Project (Minnesota), Mexican Town, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of the Print Research Foundation, 2008.115.521

Mexican Town

John M. Socha, Federal Art Project (Minnesota) · · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.521