British artist Thomas Moran immigrated to the United States as a child and served as an engraver’s apprentice before embarking on the Hayden expedition in 1871. Its purpose was to provide the first detailed survey of the Yellowstone region, and Thomas Moran’s paintings would prove to be an invaluable record of the expedition, as well as help make his career as a landscape artist.

Although the style of his paintings was in part influenced by fellow English artist J.M.W. Turner, Thomas Moran’s artwork played an instrumental role in illustrating the American West and preserving Yellowstone as a national park for future generations. Upon his death in the early 20th century, he was called the “Dean of American Landscape Painters,” and Thomas Moran paintings and prints remain popular. Art enthusiasts can find their next masterpieces when looking through watercolor paintings for sale at auction or online.