Otto Stark
Encyclopedia
Otto Stark was an American Impressionist painter who was considered to be a member of the Hoosier Group
of Indiana artists. Stark's work most clearly showed the influence of Impressionism, and he often featured children in his work.
He began his career as a commercial woodcarver's apprentice in Indianapolis
until an ankle injury disabled him. In 1875, he went to Cincinnati where he worked as a lithographer and attended the Cincinnati Art Academy. He studied with William Merritt Chase
at the Art Students League of New York
. In 1885, he entered Académie Julian in Paris
. He studied in Paris until 1888, and he exhibited paintings in the Paris Salons of 1886 and 1887. He also married while living in France. Stark and his family returned to the United States in 1888, living first in New York and later in Philadelphia.
His wife died in 1891, leaving him with four children. He worked again as a lithographer in Cincinnati until he returned to painting in 1894 when he opened a studio in Indianapolis. He taught art at Manual High School in Indianapolis and at the Herron School of Art
from 1905-1919.
Stark remained an active artist until his death in 1926. He exhibited paintings at shows in Chicago (1894), Omaha (1898), St. Louis (1904), Buenos Aires (1910), and San Francisco (1915) as well as in local and regional exhibits.
Hoosier Group
The Hoosier Group was a group of Indiana Impressionist painters working in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They are primarily known for their renditions of the Indiana landscape. Artists considered members of this group include T. C. Steele, Richard Gruelle, William Forsyth, J. Ottis...
of Indiana artists. Stark's work most clearly showed the influence of Impressionism, and he often featured children in his work.
He began his career as a commercial woodcarver's apprentice in Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
until an ankle injury disabled him. In 1875, he went to Cincinnati where he worked as a lithographer and attended the Cincinnati Art Academy. He studied with William Merritt Chase
William Merritt Chase
William Merritt Chase was an American painter known as an exponent of Impressionism and as a teacher. He is also responsible for establishing the Chase School, which later would become Parsons The New School for Design.- Early life and training :He was born in Williamsburg , Indiana, to the family...
at the Art Students League of New York
Art Students League of New York
The Art Students League of New York is an art school located on West 57th Street in New York City. The League has historically been known for its broad appeal to both amateurs and professional artists, and has maintained for over 130 years a tradition of offering reasonably priced classes on a...
. In 1885, he entered Académie Julian in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
. He studied in Paris until 1888, and he exhibited paintings in the Paris Salons of 1886 and 1887. He also married while living in France. Stark and his family returned to the United States in 1888, living first in New York and later in Philadelphia.
His wife died in 1891, leaving him with four children. He worked again as a lithographer in Cincinnati until he returned to painting in 1894 when he opened a studio in Indianapolis. He taught art at Manual High School in Indianapolis and at the Herron School of Art
Herron School of Art
Herron School of Art and Design, a school of Indiana University, was ranked 45th overall by U.S. News and World Report among graduate schools of fine arts in 2008....
from 1905-1919.
Stark remained an active artist until his death in 1926. He exhibited paintings at shows in Chicago (1894), Omaha (1898), St. Louis (1904), Buenos Aires (1910), and San Francisco (1915) as well as in local and regional exhibits.
External links
- Otto Stark Papers
- Otto Stark at ArtCyclopediaArtCyclopediaArtcyclopedia is an online database of museum-quality fine art founded by Canadian John Malyon. The Artcyclopedia only deals with art that can be viewed online, and indexes 2,300 art sites , with links to around 180,000 artworks by 8,500 renowned artists. The site has also started to compile a list...