Martin Lewis

American, 1881 - 1962

(not assigned)New York, New York, USA

SchoolRealism

BiographyMartin Lewis was among the most accomplished printmakers working in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s. He was an acute observer, best known for his striking views of New York City and the countrysides of Japan and Connecticut. At the core of his success in conveying the essence of a scene or in suggesting complex visual phenomena was his exceptional ability to draw.

Drawing played many roles in Lewis's life. From boyhood he was rarely without a sketchbook. Through drawing, he captured figures, forms, and effects - sometimes only as simple jottings - which were developed into larger compositions. In other instances drawing was a goal in itself, and many works in crayon, pencil, or pen and ink stand as independent finished images. Drawing was also a process on which every print was based. Although lithographs, etchings, drypoints, and mezzotints are printed images, they must be created first by drawing on stones or plates with special tools.

In his maturity Lewis concentrated on the portrayal of the fleeting moment. Primarily through the use of line, he presented with great conviction ephemeral conditions that are very difficult to draw such as blazing sunlight, looming shadows, gradations of darkness, driving rain, gusting wind, and blowing snow. (Source: Press Release for exhibition Martin Lewis: Drawings and Related Prints from the DIA's Collection, The Detroit Institute of Arts website, , Accessed July 19, 2004)

Person TypeIndividual

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