John Franklin Earhart Paintings

John Franklin Earhart was an American artist, known primarily for his work in color theory and his role as an arts educator. Born on September 16, 1853, in Franklin County, Ohio, Earhart grew up in a time where the arts were undergoing significant changes, with new movements and theories emerging.

He is most famous for his publication 'The Color Printer: A Treatise on the Use of Color in Typographic Printing', which was released in 1892. This book became an important reference for printers and designers, as it offered a systematic approach to the use of color in printing. His interest in color harmonies and printing techniques arose from the technological advancements of the late 19th century, which allowed for more intricate and colorful print work.

As an educator, Earhart was influential in promoting the study of color theory as a necessary part of the artistic process. He was a proponent of the idea that an understanding of color relationships was essential to creating visually appealing work, whether in fine arts, decorative arts, or commercial design. He sought to bridge the gap between the artistic and scientific study of colors, which was a relatively novel approach at the time.

Despite his contributions to color theory and printing, John Franklin Earhart is not as widely remembered as some of his contemporaries. He passed away on February 16, 1938, having lived through an era of radical changes in both art and industry. His work continues to be of interest to those studying the history of graphic design, color theory, and printing techniques.