# Arthur Dow

## Biography

Arthur Wesley Dow (1857-1922) was an influential American painter, printmaker, photographer, and arts educator. Born in Ipswich, Massachusetts, he initially pursued art studies in Paris at the Académie Julian. A pivotal moment in his career came from his exposure to Japanese art, particularly ukiyo-e woodblock prints, which profoundly shaped his aesthetic philosophy. Dow became a leading figure in the American Arts and Crafts movement, advocating for "pure design" principles that emphasized composition through line, color, and notan (light and dark relationships) over literal naturalism.

In 1891, he established the Ipswich Summer School of Art. He also held significant teaching positions at the Pratt Institute, the Art Students League, and Columbia University Teachers College, where he influenced a generation of artists, notably Georgia O'Keeffe. His highly influential 1899 textbook, "Composition," disseminated his innovative methods widely across American art education. Dow's artistic legacy includes evocative woodcuts and photographs often depicting the landscapes of his native Ipswich.

## Books

- [Composition](https://samolit.com/books/96366)