Early Life and Artistic Influences
Henry Lee McFee (April 14, 1886 – March 19, 1953) emerged as a pivotal figure in American modernist painting, particularly within the vibrant Woodstock artists colony. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, McFee’s formative years were marked by a disciplined military education at Kemper Military School in Boonville, shaping his dedication to precision and observation—qualities that would permeate his artistic endeavors. A substantial inheritance afforded him access to formal art training at the Stevenson Art School in Pittsburgh, where he honed his skills and absorbed foundational principles of tonalist painting under Birge Harrison. However, it was Woodstock, New York, that truly ignited McFee’s creative spirit. The immersive environment fostered by the Art Students League and the intellectual discourse surrounding artists like Cézanne profoundly impacted his artistic vision, propelling him toward experimentation with cubism and synchromism—movements championed by Picasso and Braque respectively. This exposure to groundbreaking artistic ideas fundamentally altered his approach to painting, discarding traditional conventions in favor of a more daring exploration of form and color.
Woodstock Artists Association and Artistic Development
In 1919, McFee joined forces with fellow Woodstock luminaries Andrew Dasburg, Carl Eric Lindin, John Carlson, and Frank Swift Chase to establish the Woodstock Artists’ Association—a collective dedicated to fostering artistic innovation and collaborative exploration. This association served as a crucible for McFee's evolving style, encouraging him to push boundaries and embrace new techniques. The influence of Roger Fry and Clive Bell’s writings further broadened his intellectual horizons, prompting him to contemplate aesthetic theories alongside the masterpieces of Giotto and the Florentine Renaissance painters. His early works demonstrated a masterful command of color and form, reflecting the stylistic currents of the era while retaining an individual voice—a hallmark that would characterize his subsequent artistic output. The Woodstock group actively debated artistic concepts and challenged established norms, fostering an atmosphere conducive to experimentation and pushing McFee’s creative boundaries.
Notable Exhibitions and Recognition
McFee’s commitment to artisti
- His debut solo show at the Rehn Gallery in 1927 garnered critical acclaim.
- Subsequent showings at institutions like the Carnegie Institute, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Corcoran Gallery, Museum of Modern Art, and Whitney Museum showcased his distinctive approach to painting—characterized by meticulous detail and expressive color palettes.
He was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1940, affording him invaluable time for research and artistic development. During this period, he held positions at Claremont Graduate School and the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, where he mentored aspiring painters and disseminated his knowledge of modernist principles. His work gained recognition from prominent art critics and collectors alike, cementing his place as one of America’s foremost artists.
Collaboration with Bentley Schaad and Legacy
McFee’s artistic partnership with Bentley Schaad proved to be particularly fruitful, resulting in a shared exploration of Californian landscapes and the interplay between abstraction and representation. Their collaborative efforts underscored McFee's belief in dialogue and mutual inspiration—a philosophy that extended beyond his studio walls. He died peacefully in Pasadena, California, in 1953 from pneumonia, leaving behind a substantial body of work that continues to inspire admiration for its stylistic sophistication and emotional resonance. Henry Lee McFee’s enduring legacy resides not only in his iconic paintings but also in his role as a catalyst for artistic innovation within the Woodstock artists colony and beyond—a testament to his unwavering dedication to craft and his profound contribution to American art history.
