GEORGE BELLOWS

George Bellows was Robert Henri's student at the New York School of Art and the two became life-long friends. He emulated his teacher in style and subject and Henri's influence appears in Bellow's brushstrokes. Portrait of a Blonde Boy is typical of Bellow's painting style in its gesteral application and restrained palette. The directional light and halo-like hat serve to draw our attention to the boy's face. Characteristic of Henri and many of his students, Bellows boldly marks the child's cheek with a splash of pink. This draws the viewer's eye to the sweet face of the subject who is thought to be the son of an American fisherman. Once again, we see Henri's influence in painting everyday people in sharp contrast to the stiff portraits of the wealthy.