Thursday, July 06, 2006

Peter Hurd American Painter

Peter Hurd(1904-1984)


Peter Hurd attended West Point Military Academy from 1921-23 and then studied art at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. In 1929 Hurd married Andrew WyethÂ’s sister Henrietta and moved to a ranch in New Mexico. He painted with egg tempera on gesso board from 1935 until switching to watercolors in 1960. During World War II Hurd worked as a correspondent to Life Magazine (1942-45). Hurd became an accomplished portrait painter and book illustrator and was widely recognized by the late ‘30s. He was commissioned to do several public building murals as well as the official portrait of Lyndon B. Johnson.


Peter Hurd

Eve of St. John, 1960

This is one of my favorite paintings of Peter Hurd. Sadly this photo does not due it justice. I have set many hours in front of this painting during my lunch hours. It is very beautiful and leaves me with a sense of peace.


Peter Hurd

Portrait by Moonlight

Egg Tempera on Gessoed Board

In 1967, he painted what would have been Lyndon B. Johnson's official portrait. President Johnson only allowed Hurd one sitting, during which he fell asleep. Hurd had to use photographs of Johnson to finish the painting. Johnson did not like his portrait, declaring it "the ugliest thing I ever saw." The painting is now part of the collection of the National Portrait Gallery, in the Smithsonian Institution.

Have a wonderful day!


N Posted by Rain at 7/06/2006 12:14:00 AM

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