Arthur Wesley Dow

Arthur Wesley Dow was an American painter, printmaker, photographer, and influential arts educator best known for his theories on composition and design. He believed in the concept of art as a form of self-expression and encouraged artists to explore their own personal style.

Arthur Wesley Dow was born on April 6, 1857.

Arthur Wesley Dow taught at various institutions throughout his career, including Columbia University, Pratt Institute, and the Art Students League of New York. He also founded his own art school in Ipswich, Massachusetts.

Arthur Wesley Dow had a significant impact on art education, particularly in the United States. He introduced the concept of composition and design as essential elements of artistic training, emphasizing the importance of these principles in creating successful artworks. Dow's ideas were highly influential and helped shape the development of modern art education.

Arthur Wesley Dow is best known for his book "Composition: A Series of Exercises in Art Structure for the Use of Students and Teachers." Published in 1899, this book outlined Dow's theories on composition and became a widely used text in art schools across the United States.