The Eight and the Ashcan School

The Eight and the Ashcan School painters are not really aesthetically similar from one another and thus, the reactions to their work should be done individually for each member:

Robert Henri's work doesn't give too much to talk about. I think it is great that the chose to portray not only celebrities or 'important' people, but normal citizens that were around him; he showed the world the faces of America! If you're looking for paintings that portray a certain period of American History for your sociology class, these are the ones you should be looking for. However, I didn't really like his style or technique... I think his paintings are not really special (aesthetically and stylistically speaking).

Henri's 'Willie Gee'

William Glackens, George Luks and Everett Shinn  all portrayed the glorious and innovative city of New York, and I guess they were trying to express their love to their city; nevertheless, they didn't make New York look like an inviting or amazing place; they give the city that never sleeps a somber look that did't please me at all! (I have to point out that Luks' black bear sketches are great and Shinn's style is somehow more appealing to eye even if it doesn't make New York look in its best shape)

Glackens' 'East River Park'

Luks' 'Street Scene'

Shinn's 'Washington Square'

John Sloan's paintings, in my opinion, portray much more interesting scenes than any Glackens', Luks' or Shinn's works.

Sloan's 'Pigeons' reminds me of a scene of Mary Poppins

This cat steals 'Chinese Restaurant'

Finally, I think that George Bellow made the most interesting work -even if he wasn't really a member of the Eight- because he used various styles and techniques, and even though the subject matters of his paintings don't differ a lot from the works  the rest of the members, Bellows seems to me more spontaneous and creative.

Bellow's 'Both members of the club'

'Blue Snow, The Battery'