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Wilson-Henry Irvine Biography
Wilson Henry Irvine, born on February 28, 1869, near Byron, Illinois, emerged as a master American Impressionist landscape painter whose work continues to captivate audiences with its vibrant portrayal of natural scenes. Irvine's journey into the realm of art began after he graduated from Rockford Central High School and took a job at the Chicago Portrait Company. His passion for art led him to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he honed his skills and developed a keen interest in artistic technology alongside traditional painting techniques.
Irvine's early career was marked by his involvement with the Palette and Chisel Club of Chicago, which he founded with his classmates. This period was crucial for Irvine as he began exploring landscape painting, showcasing his works at group shows at The Art Institute of Chicago. His initial works were reminiscent of early impressionism, characterized by lively brush strokes and a focus on contrasts of color and texture to create depth. Despite his success in the Midwest, Irvine's love for the East Coast, particularly the New England landscape, drew him away from his roots.
The turning point in Irvine's career came when he decided to move to Old Lyme, Connecticut, in 1914, becoming part of the Florence Griswold circle, known as the "American Barbizon," a hub of American Impressionism. This move marked Irvine's transition into a period where he produced some of his most memorable works. Old Lyme provided Irvine with the perfect backdrop to further explore and refine his impressionistic style, often painting en plein air to capture the subtle effects of light on the landscape. His paintings from this period are celebrated for their mastery of light and texture, showcasing well-composed scenes of houses, boats, bridges, and even portraits.
Throughout his career, Irvine continued to innovate, experimenting with new artistic techniques such as airbrushing, aqua prints, and prismatic painting. His willingness to push the boundaries of traditional impressionism set him apart from his contemporaries. Irvine's work received widespread recognition, and by the end of his career, he was regularly landing solo exhibitions in prestigious venues such as Chicago's Carson Pirie Scott, Connecticut's Wadsworth Atheneum, and New York's Grand Central Art Galleries.
Irvine's contributions to American Impressionism were not limited to his time in Old Lyme. He also embarked on three extended sojourns to Europe, where he produced noteworthy examples of American Impressionist European landscapes. These trips, which took him to England, France, the British Isles, and the countrysides around Martigues, France, and Ronda, Spain, allowed Irvine to bring a uniquely American perspective to the vibrant subjects that captivated the French Impressionist masters.
Despite his travels and success, Irvine maintained strong ties to Chicago, where the market for his work remained strong. His paintings are now part of the collections of prestigious institutions such as Chicago's Art Institute, Florence Griswold Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Corcoran Gallery of Art, and Union League Club. In 1926, Irvine's contributions to the art world were formally recognized when he was elected into the National Academy of Design as an Associate Academician.
Wilson Irvine's legacy as a key figure in early-20th-century American Impressionism has only grown in recent years. His ability to capture the essence of the American landscape with a fresh and innovative approach has ensured that his work continues to be celebrated and admired. Irvine passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage on August 21, 1936, but his masterful oeuvre lives on, a testament to his enduring impact on the world of art.
Wilson-Henry Irvine Quotes and
Sales of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
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works:
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receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
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