Robert Beverly Hale Quotes
- Artist and art instructor
- USA
- 1901
Robert Beverly Hale (1901-1985) was an American artist, curator, and educator known for his expertise in anatomy and figure drawing. He was born in Richmond, Virginia and studied at the National Academy of Design in New York City. Hale served as the curator of American paintings and sculpture at the…Read More
Robert Beverly Hale (1901-1985) was an American artist, curator, and educator known for his expertise in anatomy and figure drawing. He was born in Richmond, Virginia and studied at the National Academy of Design in New York City. Hale served as the curator of American paintings and sculpture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for over 20 years and also taught at the Art Students League of New York.Hale’s notable works include his book “Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters” which has become a classic in the field of figure drawing. He also wrote “Anatomy Lessons from the Great Masters” and “Master Class in Figure Drawing” which are widely used by artists and art students. Hale’s teaching style was highly influential and he mentored many successful artists, including Norman Rockwell and Andrew Wyeth.Hale’s legacy continues through the Robert Beverly Hale Library at the Art Students League of New York, which houses his personal collection of books and artwork. He is remembered as a master draftsman and a dedicated teacher who had a profound impact on the art world.Read Less
Robert Beverly Hale (1901-1985) was an American artist, curator, and educator known for his expertise in anatomy and figure drawing. He was born in Richmond, Virginia and studied at the National Academy of Design in New York City. Hale served as the curator of American paintings and sculpture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for over 20 years and also taught at the Art Students League of New York.Hale’s notable works include his book “Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters” which has become a classic in the field of figure drawing. He also wrote “Anatomy Lessons from the Great Masters” and “Master Class in Figure Drawing” which are widely used by artists and art students. Hale’s teaching style was highly influential and he mentored many successful artists, including Norman Rockwell and Andrew Wyeth.Hale’s legacy continues through the Robert Beverly Hale Library at the Art Students League of New York, which houses his personal collection of books and artwork. He is remembered as a master draftsman and a dedicated teacher who had a profound impact on the art world.
Robert Beverly Hale Career Highlights
- Director of American Paintings and Sculpture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art: In 1931, Hale was appointed as the Director of American Paintings and Sculpture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. He held this position for 20 years and was responsible for organizing several groundbreaking exhibitions, including the first major retrospective of the works of John Singer Sargent.
- Founder of the Art Students League of New York: In 1933, Hale founded the Art Students League of New York, a prestigious art school that has produced some of the most renowned artists of the 20th century. He served as the League’s director for over 40 years and was instrumental in shaping the curriculum and teaching methods that are still used today.
- Author of “Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters”: Hale’s book, “Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters,” has become a staple in art education. Published in 1964, the book has been translated into multiple languages and is considered a must-read for any aspiring artist. It features detailed analyses of the works of master artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Rembrandt, providing valuable insights into their techniques and approaches to drawing.
- Professor at the Art Students League of New York: Hale’s teaching career spanned over 50 years, during which he taught at the Art Students League of New York and other prestigious institutions such as Columbia University and the New York Academy of Art. He was known for his rigorous and disciplined approach to teaching, and his students included some of the most successful artists of the 20th century, such as Jackson Pollock, Roy Lichtenstein, and Robert Rauschenberg.
Key Contributions by Robert Beverly Hale
- Reviving the traditional methods of drawing: Hale was a strong advocate for the traditional methods of drawing, which he believed were essential for developing a strong foundation in art. He emphasized the importance of studying the works of the old masters and learning from their techniques, rather than relying solely on modern art movements.
- Promoting the importance of anatomy in art: Hale’s background in anatomy, gained from his studies at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, greatly influenced his approach to teaching art. He believed that a thorough understanding of human anatomy was crucial for creating realistic and expressive figures in art, and he incorporated this into his teachings.
- Fostering a community of artists: Through his role as a teacher and director of the Art Students League, Hale created a supportive and collaborative environment for artists to learn and grow. He encouraged his students to learn from each other and to share their knowledge and techniques, creating a strong community of artists.
What Sets Him Apart:
Hale’s extensive knowledge of art history, anatomy, and traditional drawing techniques, combined with his passion for teaching, set him apart from other art educators. He was a master at breaking down complex concepts and techniques into simple and understandable lessons, making him a highly effective teacher. His dedication to preserving and passing on the traditional methods of drawing has had a lasting impact on the art world, and his teachings continue to influence artists today.
Takeaways
- The importance of studying the old masters: Hale’s emphasis on studying the works of the old masters and learning from their techniques is a valuable lesson for any aspiring artist. By understanding the foundations of art, one can develop a strong and versatile skill set that can be applied to any style or medium.
- The significance of anatomy in art: Hale’s background in anatomy and his belief in its importance in art highlights the value of understanding the human form in creating realistic and expressive figures.
- The power of teaching: Hale’s passion for teaching and his dedication to his students have left a lasting impact on the art world. His teachings continue to inspire and influence artists, making him a true master in his field.