Harvey Thomas Dunn was an American painter and teacher whose life and work left a significant imprint on the art world, particularly in the realm of illustration. Born on March 8, 1884, in a claim shanty near Manchester, South Dakota, Dunn grew up on the prairies, which would later become a central theme in his art. His parents, Bersha and Thomas Dunn, were homesteaders, and their life on the frontier would deeply influence Harvey's artistic vision. Dunn's journey into art began at a young age, encouraged by his mother, who was an amateur artist and studying to be a teacher. She would spend evenings drawing with Harvey, fostering his early love for art. Despite an offer from his father of 640 acres of land to stay and work on the farm, Dunn chose to pursue his passion for art. He earned money to pay for his education by plowing fields at $1.25 an acre, demonstrating his determination to succeed in his chosen field. In 1901, Dunn began his formal art education at South Dakota Agricultural College (now South Dakota State University), where he studied under Ada Caldwell. Recognizing his talent, Caldwell encouraged him to continue his studies at the Art Institute of Chicago. It was there, from 1902 to 1904, that Dunn met Howard Pyle, America's foremost illustrator, who extended an invitation to the young artist to study at his prestigious school of illustration in Delaware. After two years of mentorship under Pyle, Dunn established his own studio in Wilmington in 1906 and quickly began a successful career as an illustrator. His work was featured in leading magazines of the time, including "Scribner's," "Harper's," "Collier's Weekly," "Century," "Outing," and "The Saturday Evening Post." Dunn's illustrations were known for their dramatic and expressive style, which resonated with the American public. Dunn's career was put on hold when he served as an official artist for the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. His experiences on the battlefield profoundly affected him, and upon his return, he resumed his career with renewed vigor. He also began to focus more on teaching, sharing his knowledge and passion for art with a new generation of illustrators. In 1915, Dunn, along with fellow artist Charles Shepard Chapman, founded the Leonia School of Illustration in New Jersey. Their mission was to simplify the complexities taught in traditional art schools and to encourage students to think pictorially. Dunn's teaching philosophy was deeply influenced by Pyle, emphasizing the importance of capturing the spirit of the subject over mere visual depiction. Dunn's work as an illustrator and teacher was complemented by his prairie paintings, which captured the essence of early pioneer life. These works became the pride of South Dakota and are nationally regarded for their contribution to American illustration and documentation of the emotion of prairie life. The South Dakota Art Museum houses the world's largest Harvey Dunn collection, a testament to his enduring legacy. Throughout his career, Dunn was recognized for his contributions to the art world. In 1945, he was named a member of the National Academy of Design, and he served as the president of the Society of Illustrators in 1948 and 1949. He received an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degree from South Dakota State College in 1951 and donated 37 paintings to the institution. Dunn's personal life was also rich and fulfilling. He married Johanne Louise Krebs on March 12, 1908, with N.C. Wyeth serving as his best man. The couple had a son, Robert, and a daughter, Louise. Dunn passed away on October 29, 1952, at his home in Tenafly, New Jersey, at the age of 68. His legacy continues to inspire and influence artists and art enthusiasts alike, and his work remains a vibrant part of America's artistic heritage.

Harvey Dunn Quotes and Sales of Works

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