Lawson, Ernest (1873-1939), was an American painter. His style was strongly influenced by his contact with the American Impressionist painters John H. Twachtman and J. Alden Weir, and by his studies in Paris and Spain. Lawson painted landscapes and city scenes using rugged, simple forms, brilliant colors, and vigorous brushstrokes. Lawson’s sense of independent expression typified artist Robert Henri’s own conception of art. Lawson joined a group of realist painters headed by Henri and called The Eight, later the Ashcan School (see Ashcan School ). Lawson also helped organize the famous Armory Show in 1913. He was born on March 22, 1873, in San Francisco. He died on Dec. 18, 1939.
