Clifton A. Wheeler Indiana (1883 - 1953) figures in a landscape artist sketch with female portrait, ca. 1930 graphite on paper Signed by the daughter of Clifton Wheeler verso. Biography from the Archives of askART: The following was submitted by his granddaughter Katrina Remaily: One of the foremost early Indiana artists, his work represents an individuality in style, a strong sense of color and excellence of design. He painted portraits, still lives, landscapes, as well as murals for public buildings. Born in Hadley on September 4, 1883, his family moved to Mooresville during his early childhood years. Later, the aspiring painter met William Forsyth, who took him on painting trips, giving encouragement and technical guidance. In 1902 Wheeler went to New York City and studied with William Merritt Chase, Robert Henri and Kenneth Hayes Miller. Among his classmates were Wayman Adams, George Bellows, Rockwell Kent, Edward Hopper and Guy Pene DuBois. In the summer of 1907, and again in 1910, he went to Italy with a painting class conducted by William Merritt Chase. As the student showing the most improvement and promise, he was awarded a large, characteristic oil still life, painted by Chase. Later, Wheeler studied in Paris, France, and became friends with Gertrude Stein and Pablo Picasso. He was urged to stay in New York following his studies, but Wheeler returned home to Indiana, where he taught for many years at the Herron Art Institute and Butler University, while teaching summers at the University of Colorado in Boulder. He was a member of the Portfolio Club, the Indiana Artists Club, and the Society of Western Artists. During summer trips he painted in the Black Mountains of North Carolina, the woodlands of Michigan, the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, the Catskills and Seneca Lake regions of New York State, and other scenic areas. In Indiana, he painted the dunes of Like Michigan and the bluffs of the Ohio River. Wheeler won many awards in his lifetime, and his works are well represented in museums, public buildings and private collections all over the country. He was one of two artists selected to represent Indiana at the World's Fairs in New York and San Francisco. Clifton A. Wheeler died on May 10, 1953. 5 1/4"H x 4 1/4"W (sight), 12 1/2"H x 11 1/2"W (frame)