Richard Hayley Lever Paintings

Richard Hayley Lever was an Australian-born artist known for his vibrant and colorful impressionistic paintings. Born on September 28, 1876, in Adelaide, South Australia, Lever showed an early talent for art and began his formal art education at the Prince Alfred College in Adelaide. He continued his studies at the National Gallery School in Melbourne, where he was influenced by the Heidelberg School, a movement known for its Australian impressionist style.

In 1899, Lever left Australia and moved to London to further his artistic training. He studied at the South Kensington Art School and immersed himself in the European art scene. During this period, he began to develop his own style, which combined impressionist elements with a bold use of color and dynamic brushwork.

Lever's travels took him to Cornwall, where he was captivated by the picturesque fishing village of St. Ives, a location that would become a recurring subject in his work. His paintings from this period reflect the lively atmosphere of the harbor and the natural beauty of the Cornish coast.

In 1912, Lever emigrated to the United States and settled in New York. He became a part of the thriving art community and was influenced by the works of American impressionists. Lever's American period was marked by a shift in his palette to include brighter colors and a focus on capturing the essence of the American landscape and city life. He painted scenes of New York City, Gloucester, Massachusetts, and other locations along the East Coast.

He became a respected member of the American art world, exhibiting at prestigious institutions such as the National Academy of Design and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Lever also taught art, sharing his knowledge and passion with a new generation of artists.

Throughout his career, Lever experimented with different subjects and styles, but he remained dedicated to impressionism and is best remembered for his lively and optimistic view of the world, which he conveyed through his art. Richard Hayley Lever passed away on December 6, 1958, in Mount Vernon, New York, leaving behind a legacy of work that continues to be celebrated for its contribution to the impressionist movement and its depiction of early twentieth-century life.