The Art Spirit

Book excerpt: First published in 1923, "The Art Spirit," by famed artist and teacher Robert Henri, has been an important and influential guide to aspiring artists for nearly one hundred years. Born Robert Henry Cozad in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1865, Henri studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia, the Académie Julian in Paris, and the Ѐcole des Beaux Arts before returning to America and eventually teaching at the Philadelphia School of Design for Women beginning in 1892. Henri was an immensely popular and inspirational teacher and attracted a large group of followers who enjoyed meeting with him to discuss art and culture. Henri became a leader of the Ashcan School of American realism and encouraged his students and peers to create new, more realistic art which reflected their lives and experiences. "The Art Spirit" is a collection of Henri's teachings, words of wisdom, and views on the place of the art and artist in American society and culture. It also contains insightful and valuable technical advice for every art student. This timeless and classic work is an engaging read for anyone who enjoys and appreciates art. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.