1920s H. Willard Ortlip Mother and Child 1920s

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Excellent figurative painting of a mother and child by H. Willard Ortlip (American, 20th Century), 1927. Signature and date lower … Read more Excellent figurative painting of a mother and child by H. Willard Ortlip (American, 20th Century), 1927. Signature and date lower left "H. Willard Ortlip 1927."
Image 35"H x 28.5"W
H. Willard Ortlip began art studies in 1902 at The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia under the tutelage of William Merritt Chase, Sargeant Kendall, Hugh Breckenridge and Henry McCarter ( his uncle). He was awarded two Cresson scholarships, which enabled him to study abroad. In 1910, he married art student Aimee Eschner, and together they set up a studio in Philadelphia's Independence Square. Willard earned a reputation as a society portrait painter. In addition, he painted for "Collier's" magazine. In his New York City studio, he furthered his free-lance work with advertising.

In 1947, in retirement, Willard and Aimee began teaching at Houghton College, contributing to the building of an art department.

Aimee E. Ortlip, also a student at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, was awarded a Cresson scholarship for study in Europe in 1909. While raising their seven children she assisted her husband and built her own reputation as a still-life and landscape painter. Her work has been exhibited in New York City and Philadelphia and is held in private collections throughout the United States.

Their two daughters, Aileen Ortlip Shea and Marjorie Ortip Stockin, former art faculty members, initiated the Art Department in the 1930's and helped to establish the art major at Houghton College. Aileen, early winner of a Pulitzer award for art, continues to receive commissions to paint portraits. Marjorie, who taught at the college for forty years also continues to paint landscapes and floral still-lifes.

Submitted January 2005 by Mark Hoffman, whose family owns paintings by the artist.

Source is biographical data from the Houghton College's Ortlip Gallery in Houghton, New York. The Ortlip Gallery is an all-purpose exhibition space located in the Center for the Arts at Houghton College. Named for H.Willard and Aimee Ortlip and their family, some of whom were previous art faculty members, the gallery serves current students, faculty and visiting artists. See less