Early Life and Training

Ernest Lawson, a Canadian-American painter, was born on March 22, 1873, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He moved to the United States in 1888 and settled in Kansas City. In 1891, he enrolled in classes at the Art Students League in New York, studying under John Twachtman, who introduced him to Impressionism.

Artistic Style and Influences

Lawson's painting style is heavily influenced by the art of John Henry Twachtman, J. Alden Weir, and Alfred Sisley. Though considered an American Impressionist, Lawson falls stylistically between Impressionism and realism. His work is characterized by a focus on landscape painting, with occasional forays into realistic urban scenes.

The Eight and Notoriety

In 1908, Lawson joined The Eight, a group of artists who formed a loose association to protest the narrowness of taste and restrictive exhibition policies of the conservative National Academy of Design. This notoriety led to a significant exhibition at the prestigious Macbeth Galleries in New York, which later traveled to Chicago and Boston.

Selected Works and Legacy

Some of Lawson's notable works include:

• The Garden Umbrella (Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester), showcasing his Impressionist style.
• City Suburbs (The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C.), highlighting his ability to capture urban landscapes.
• Fort Tryon Park, a series of paintings that reflect his focus on the interplay between nature and the city.

Lawson's legacy as a member of The Eight continues to influence American art, with his works remaining a testament to the power of Impressionism and realism.

Further Reading and Exploration

For more information on Ernest Lawson and his contemporaries, explore https://WahooArt.com/@/Ernest-Lawson. Delve into the world of American art with https://WahooArt.com/Art.nsf/All-Popular-Artists, featuring the greatest artists of all time. Learn more about The Eight and their impact on the art world at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Eight_(artists).

Early Life and Training

Ernest Lawson, a prominent figure in the American Impressionist movement, was born on March 22, 1873, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. In 1888, he moved to the United States, settling in Kansas City, and later, in 1891, he made his way to New York, where he enrolled in classes at the Art Students League. Under the tutelage of John Twachtman, Lawson was introduced to Impressionism, which would significantly influence his formative years.

Artistic Development and Influences

Lawson's style, characterized by a blend of Impressionism and realism, was shaped by his interactions with various artists. He studied at the Académie Julian in Paris in 1893, where he met Jean-Joseph Benjamin-Constant and Jean-Paul Laurens. His plein air painting experiences in southern France and Moret-sur-Loing, where he encountered Alfred Sisley, an English Impressionist, further enriched his artistic perspective.

The Eight and Notable Exhibitions

In 1908, Lawson joined The Eight, a group of artists protesting the narrow tastes and restrictive exhibition policies of the National Academy of Design. This association led to a pivotal exhibition at the Macbeth Galleries in New York, which garnered significant media attention and sparked debate about the diversity of style and subject matter in American art.

• City Suburbs, one of Lawson's notable works, is now part of The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., showcasing his unique blend of Impressionism and realism. (View at WahooArt)
• Another piece, Approaching Storm, also in The Phillips Collection, demonstrates Lawson's mastery of capturing the essence of American landscapes. (View at WahooArt)
• For more on Ernest Lawson and his contributions to American Impressionism, visit his page on WahooArt.

Legacy and Impact

Lawson's understated yet vibrant style, described by art critic James Gibbons Huneker as originating from a "palette of crushed jewels," has left an indelible mark on American art. His participation in The Eight and his unique artistic approach have made him a notable figure in the history of Impressionism. Key Points: * Born: March 22, 1873, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada * Died: December 18, 1939 * Notable Works: City Suburbs, Approaching Storm * Influences: John Twachtman, Jean-Joseph Benjamin-Constant, Alfred Sisley * Association: The Eight * Style: Blend of Impressionism and Realism