Styles & Periods

• Artists
• Styles & Periods
• Associations
• Glossary
• Projects
• Purchase Guides

Ashcan School

American art before World War I was dominated by realism, and no group of artists better evolved this tradition than the Ashcan School. The loosely affiliated group was actually a collection of artists working in New York City, who fed upon and depicted the vitality of the bustling metropolis. Many of the artists painting in the style came from journalistic backgrounds, where they developed skills in making quick, loose sketches of cities imbued with energy. While not a social movement, the painters did depict the city in a literal manner that had never seen before, making headway in developing an American style of subject. Specifically, in 1908, painter Robert Henri founded The Eight. This group was loosely connected with the broad Ashcan School, and included members John Sloan, Everett Shinn, William Glackens, George Luks, Ernest Lawson, Maurice Prendergast and Arthur Davies. These artists were rejected by the National Academy of Design, and therefore mounted their own revolutionary show in New York. By denouncing the rigid constraints of academy painting, the Ashcan School, including The Eight, forged new ground in the idea of artists choosing their own subject to immortalize.

Feeling inspired? Try out these fine products…

Up to 60% Off Series 965 Golden Nylon & Natural Hair Wash Brushes by Winsor & Newton Perfect for watercolor washes	From $20.89 Pitt Monochrome Drawing Assortment by Faber-Castell Traditional set for observational drawing	Up to 64% Off Series 3950 Velvetouch Professional Brush Sets by Princeton Experirience comfort and versatility
Up to 56% Off Classic Cream Drawing Pad by Canson Old-fashioned sketching	Up to 45% Off Black Gold Series Synthetic Brushes Short Handle by Dynasty Master craftsmanship for less	From $0.62 Ebony Graphite Drawing Pencils by Prismacolor Sketching essentials