What is the History of the WPA Posters?

What is the History of the WPA Posters?

Robert Decker

A Journey Through Art and Time

The WPA posters of the 1930s and 1940s hold a special place in American history, serving as a testament to the nation's efforts to pull through the Great Depression. Today, these iconic posters have been revived in WPA-style national park posters by Rob Decker, breathing new life into the timeless designs and enabling a new generation to appreciate these artistic masterpieces. In this blog post, we'll take a trip back in time to explore the origins of WPA posters and how they continue to inspire art lovers and national park enthusiasts alike.

The Beginnings of the WPA and Its Artists

The New Deal and the Federal Art Project

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was established in 1935 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, aiming to put millions of unemployed Americans back to work during the Great Depression. One of the programs under the WPA was the Federal Art Project (FAP), which provided jobs for thousands of artists, including graphic designers, painters, sculptors, and photographers.

WPA Poster Art and Its Impact

The WPA artists were tasked with creating promotional materials for various public programs and services, including national parks. The result was a plethora of visually striking and captivating posters that left a lasting impression on American art and culture. Some key features of WPA posters include:

  • Bold colors and simple, yet dynamic designs
  • A strong emphasis on typography
  • Iconic images depicting the unique landscapes of America's national parks

WPA-Style National Park Posters by Rob Decker

Fast forward to the present, and photographer and graphic artist Rob Decker has revived the spirit of the WPA artists in his collection of national park posters. Drawing inspiration from the vintage national park posters of the past, Rob has meticulously crafted stunning WPA-style artwork to celebrate America's national parks.

Click here to see the Grand Teton National Park poster.

Bringing the Past to Life

In his national park prints, Rob Decker has expertly combined the timeless charm of retro national park posters with modern printing techniques, ensuring the highest quality reproductions. Each of Rob's posters captures the essence of the original WPA posters while adding a contemporary twist, making them perfect for today's national park wall art enthusiasts.

A Growing Collection of National Park Artwork

Rob Decker's collection of WPA-style national park posters continues to grow, encompassing a wide range of America's natural wonders. From the serene landscapes of Acadia National Park to the awe-inspiring vistas of the Grand Canyon, Rob's artwork captures the breathtaking beauty of the national parks in true WPA fashion.

The Lasting Legacy of WPA Posters

WPA national park posters have stood the test of time and continue to inspire and captivate art lovers, historians, and nature enthusiasts alike. Rob Decker's dedication to preserving the spirit of the WPA artists through his poster collection ensures that this piece of American history will continue to live on for generations to come.

Click here to see the Shenandoah National Park poster.

Enhancing Your Home, Office, or Home Office

Whether you're a fan of vintage national park posters or simply a nature enthusiast, Rob Decker's WPA-style posters make a stunning addition to any space. With their vibrant colors and dynamic designs, these posters serve as a constant reminder of the magnificent landscapes that make up America's national parks, making them the perfect choice for home, office, or home office decoration.

The history of the WPA poster is a fascinating journey through art and time, illustrating the resilience and creativity of the American spirit. By celebrating this rich legacy through his WPA-style national park posters, Rob Decker has ensured that the artistry and influence of the WPA artists will never be forgotten. So why not bring a piece of this incredible history into your own space with one of Rob's beautiful national park prints?

Explore the Collection

Ready to discover your favorite WPA-style national park poster? Browse through Rob Decker's extensive collection of stunning artwork, showcasing the natural beauty and majesty of America's national parks. From coast to coast, there's sure to be a poster that captures the essence of your favorite park or inspires you to explore a new one.

A Timeless Gift for the National Park Enthusiast

Looking for the perfect gift for a national park lover or art aficionado? A WPA-style national park poster is a thoughtful and meaningful present that will be cherished for years to come. Whether it's for a special occasion or simply to brighten up a loved one's space, Rob Decker's posters are a beautiful way to share your appreciation for America's national parks.

Click here to see the White Sands National Park poster.

As you explore the rich history of the WPA poster and the captivating artwork created by both past and present artists, you'll be transported to a time when art and nature converged to inspire a nation. Embrace the enduring legacy of WPA national park posters and bring a piece of America's artistic heritage into your home or office with Rob Decker's exceptional WPA-style national park wall art.

About the Artist

Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist with more than 50 years of experience. He is on a mission to visit, photograph and create stunning WPA-style national park posters for each of America's national parks. He's been to 55 of our 63 national parks, so far... Rob was mentored by Ansel Adams, a legendary figure in American photography in Yosemite National Park when he was just 19 years old. This expertise and dedication to his craft has enabled him to produce high-quality, authentic artwork that captures the beauty and essence of America's national parks. His work is not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally conscious, as a portion of the proceeds from poster sales goes towards supporting national park conservation efforts.


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