Search

Joan Flasch Artists' Book Collection

This full-page color newspaper ad created from watercolor by Robert Hugo Selby shows the L.S. Ayres department store exterior at Christmas. It was featured in the November 30, 1958 edition of the Indianapolis Star. Robert Hugo Selby was born in Owensville, Indiana. He spent six years at the John Herron Art Institute training under William Forsyth, Clifton Wheeler and Paul Hadley. After WWII he worked in the L.S. Ayres Advertising Department as the Assistant Art Director until 1959 when he moved to New Jersey and worked for the Haynes Department Store there.

This watercolor painting was created by Ayres staff artist Robert H. Selby. It was used by Ayres for holiday advertising and appeared in local newspapers for several years. Robert Hugo Selby was born in Owensville, Indiana. He spent six years at the John Herron Art Institute training under William Forsyth, Clifton Wheeler and Paul Hadley. He married Evelyn Forsyth, the third daughter of William Forsyth in 1940. After WWII he worked in the L.S. Ayres Advertising Department as the Assistant Art Director until 1959 when he moved to New Jersey and worked for the Haynes Department Store there. Retiring in 1975 he moved to Austin, Texas where he continued to paint. He first exhibited in 1930 in the Indiana Artist Exhibition and over the years in one man shows and museum and juried shows across the country winning several awards. His work is represented in several collections. The Indiana Historical Society does not own the original painting., IHS does not own original matieral. Use of this image is restricted to projects related to Destination Indiana. IHS may not reproduce.

This watercolor painting was created by Ayres staff artist Paul Young during the 1970s. It depicts the candle that was displayed on the front of the store and was used for Ayres holiday advertising and in local newspapers., The Indiana Historical Society does not own the original watercolor painting.

When America entered World War II, Hopper put away his brushes and went to work in a local defense plant as a pattern maker. After the war, he and two partners started a small iron foundry in Noblesville, the Noblesville Casting Company. He worked there until 1958, when he decided to sell his share of the business in order to paint and teach painting full time.

In his second period Hopper worked with oils, lithography, etching and silk screening, but decided watercolor was what he liked most. He began painting landscapes but continued to do some portrait work.

Hopper is described as a "soft spoken and gentle man," who usually talked while he painted. Describing watercolors he told his students, "I like the facility of the medium. You can push colors around and tell almost immediately whether you're right or wrong." They remember him as being "enthusiastic, open, and attentive." Edward Blackwell, a student and friend of Hopper's, created this Norman Rockwell like portrait of him at his easel.

Hopper participated in numerous art shows and his paintings are displayed in homes and institutions throughout the nation. "Of the 187 exhibits he entered 115 won awards." He enjoyed watercolors because they dried faster than oils, and kept his prices within an affordable range so more people could buy and enjoy his work.

This watercolor painting was created by Ayres staff artist Robert H. Selby. It was used by Ayres for holiday advertising and appeared in local newspapers for several years. Robert Hugo Selby was born in Owensville, Indiana. He spent six years at the John Herron Art Institute training under William Forsyth, Clifton Wheeler and Paul Hadley. He married Evelyn Forsyth, the third daughter of William Forsyth in 1940. After WWII he worked in the L.S. Ayres Advertising Department as the Assistant Art Director until 1959 when he moved to New Jersey and worked for the Haynes Department Store there. Retiring in 1975 he moved to Austin, Texas where he continued to paint. He first exhibited in 1930 in the Indiana Artist Exhibition and over the years in one man shows and museum and juried shows across the country winning several awards. His work is represented in several collections. The Indiana Historical Society does not own the original painting., IHS does not own original matieral. Use of this image is restricted to projects related to Destination Indiana. IHS may not reproduce.

This watercolor painting was created by Ayres staff artist Paul Young during the 1970s. It depicts the candle that was displayed on the front of the store and was used for Ayres holiday advertising and in local newspapers., The Indiana Historical Society does not own the original watercolor painting.

This full-page color newspaper ad created from watercolor by Robert Hugo Selby shows the L.S. Ayres department store exterior at Christmas. It was featured in the November 30, 1958 edition of the Indianapolis Star. Robert Hugo Selby was born in Owensville, Indiana. He spent six years at the John Herron Art Institute training under William Forsyth, Clifton Wheeler and Paul Hadley. After WWII he worked in the L.S. Ayres Advertising Department as the Assistant Art Director until 1959 when he moved to New Jersey and worked for the Haynes Department Store there.

Born in Indianapolis, Julia Graydon Sharpe studied music and art in private schools and the Indiana School of Art. She later joined the Art Students League in New York and studied with leading artists of the day. Back in Indianapolis she continued to study and paint. She never married and was active socially and in charity work. By 1917 she stopped painting and regardless of the recognition she had received for her work felt little pressure to paint more than an occasional commissioned portrait.