The Art Spirit

"The object isn't to make art, it's to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable.” This is one of the sayings of Robert Henri, a leading figure of the Ashcan School of American realism. In the U.S. alone, you can find a piece of Henri’s art hosted in museums in 34 states. He invested significant effort in teaching, including at the Art Students League of New York, The New York School of Art and the Modern School, and “The Art Spirit” was compiled at the request of his students in 1923. It contains his teachings and philosophy, sometimes in the form of personal letters of advice and criticism, and includes not only technical advice, but also Henri’s views on the role and importance of art. Listeners may also be able to draw inspiration from Henri’s passionate style. Henri's students include George Bellows, Arnold Franz Brasz, Stuart Davis, Edward Hopper, Rockwell Kent, Henry Ives Cobb, Jr., Lillian Cotton, John Sloan, Minerva Teichert and Yasuo Kuniyoshi. In the words of Robert Henri, “Art when really understood is the province of every human being."

Review

"I would give anything to have come by this book years ago. It is in my opinion comparable only to the notes of Leonardo and Sir Joshua...One of the finest voices which express the philosophy of modern men in painting."

―George Bellows

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