Frank Schoonover

Frank Schoonover (actually Frank Earle Schoonover, born August 19, 1877 in Oxford, New Jersey; † August 7, 1972 in Wilmington, Delaware ) was an American painter and illustrator.

Life

Frank Schoonover was born in Oxford and grew up after moving his parents in Trenton on. In 1891 he graduated from high school in Jersey City with distinction and gave the closing speech. In 1896 he studied at the Art School Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry (now Drexel University) Howard Pyle, who later became his friend and confidant was. In the years 1898 and 1899 he won one of ten prestigious grants and became the assistant of Pyle. As part of the promotion he was strongly influenced by his mentor. In 1900 he followed Pyle at the Brandywine School of Art School in Chadds Ford in 1903, he undertook a four-month expedition for the exploration of Hudson Bay, James Bay, Quebec and Ontario, by traveling on foot or by dog ​​sled. His experiences later incorporated into his work. Mid- 1905, he published his first fiction and was a member of the Society of Illustrators. The following year he left Pyle to open his own studio in Wilmington (1616 Rodney Street). Between 1903 and 1913, Schoonover was one of the leading American illustrators of the early 20th century. He illustrated the works of some famous authors, including Edgar Rice Burroughs, Jack London, Rex Beach, Zane Grey, Robert W. Chambers, Gilbert Parker, Henry van Dyke, Clarence Mulford, etc. In 1931, Schoonover took a one-year teaching position at the School of Illustration in Indianapolis, and from 1942 he founded his own art school in Wilmington. He taught until his 91st year at the art school, and died in Wilmington four years later. His marriage to Martha Culbertson remained childless.