Oil painting -> List of Painters -> J. Alden Weir
EARLY DAYS:
J. Alden Weir (1852-1919) was an important American Impressionist painter, art collector, and early leader of the American Impressionist movement. He was born in West Point, New York, and attended the United States Military Academy at West Point before becoming a professional artist. His early works were mostly landscapes, but he soon developed an interest in portraiture and figure painting. He moved to New York City in 1879 and had his first solo exhibition the following year, which was a success.
In 1883, Weir traveled to France to study the works of the Impressionists, and was particularly taken with the work of Claude Monet. This was a turning point in his work, as he began to incorporate the bright colors and broken brushstrokes of the Impressionists into his own work. His works from this period often featured French landscape scenes, and his style was heavily influenced by Monet and the other Impressionists.
Weir became a key figure in the American Impressionist movement, often hosting salons in his Connecticut studio. He was also a major collector of American and European art, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Pissarro, which he often loaned to public museums and exhibitions. In 1895, he became a founding member of the Association of American Painters and Sculptors, the first professional organization for American artists.
Weir was also a mentor to a group of younger American Impressionists, including Childe Hassam, John Twachtman, and Willard Metcalf. He also helped to organize the first exhibition of American Impressionism at the Durand-Ruel Gallery in New York City in 1909.
Weir's own works continued to evolve over the years, and he experimented with various styles and techniques throughout his career. He was particularly interested in Japanese art and culture, and his later works often featured Japanese-influenced motifs. Weir died in 1919, but his influence on the American Impressionist movement can still be seen in the works of many modern American artists.
Personal Details:
CAREER:
Alden Weir studied briefly at the National Academy of Design in New York City before enrolling in the École des Beaux Arts in Paris. Here he studied with Jean-Léon Gérôme, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, and other French academicians. During this period, he traveled to England, Italy, Holland, and Belgium, absorbing the art of the Old Masters.
In 1877, he returned to the United States and opened a studio in New York City. He quickly became a major figure in the American art world and was elected to the National Academy of Design the following year. He was a founding member of the Society of American Artists in 1877 and was its president from 1896 to 1898.
In 1885, Weir moved to the rural town of Cos Cob, Connecticut on the shores of the Long Island Sound. Here he established the Cos Cob Art Colony, a gathering place for American Impressionists. He was a mentor to many of the young artists who would become the core of the colony. He painted some of his most iconic works here, including "The Red Bridge" (1888) and "The Willows" (1893).
Weir's works were widely exhibited in the United States and Europe. He was an enthusiastic member of the Salmagundi Club in New York City and the American Watercolor Society. He also served as a juror for the Paris International Exposition of 1900.
Weir's work was praised for its subtle colors, delicate brushwork, and romantic atmosphere. He was especially known for his landscapes, which often featured tranquil scenes of nature. He also painted portraits and figurative works and experimented with techniques such as Pointillism and Symbolism.
Weir's later years were marked by tragedy. In 1911, his wife died and in 1915, his youngest son was killed in a car accident. Despite these losses, he continued to work and exhibit, winning numerous awards and accolades. He died in Cos Cob in 1919, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. His works are held in many prominent collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Gallery of Art, and the Brooklyn Museum.
