Charles Hawthorne

Charles Hawthorne was an American painter and art teacher known for his lively, luminous plein air (outdoor) scenes, especially of the sea and coastal towns. He emphasized capturing natural light and atmosphere, encouraging students to observe closely and paint directly from nature. Hawthorne founded the Cape Cod School of Art in 1899, one of the first American institutions dedicated to plein air painting, influencing generations of artists with his focus on vibrant color and spontaneous brushwork. His work combines realistic subject details with a dynamic use of light and color, contributing significantly to American Impressionism.