Margaret W. Lesley Bush-Brown Paintings

Margaret W. Lesley Bush-Brown, born as Margaret Lesley in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1857, was an American portrait artist known for her skill in capturing the essence of her subjects. She was the daughter of prominent scientist and educator J. Peter Lesley and his wife, Susan Inches Lyman. Growing up in an environment that fostered education and the arts, Margaret was exposed to intellectual and cultural pursuits from a young age.

Margaret showed an affinity for art early on and pursued her passion with dedication. She studied painting at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts under the tutelage of Thomas Eakins, who was one of the most significant American painters of the 19th century. Eakins' influence on Margaret was profound, as he emphasized the importance of working from life and capturing the character of the sitter, principles that would guide her throughout her career.

In 1885, she married Henry Kirke Bush-Brown, a fellow artist and sculptor, and they had three children. The couple lived in New York City and later moved to Newburgh, New York. Margaret continued to work and exhibit her paintings while raising a family. Her portraits were well-received, and she became known for her ability to render her subjects with both realism and sensitivity.

Margaret W. Lesley Bush-Brown's reputation as a portraitist grew, and she exhibited her work at various prestigious institutions, including the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the National Academy of Design, and the Paris Salon. Her portraits often featured prominent figures of her time, and she was respected for her contributions to American portraiture.

Bush-Brown's work spanned several decades, and she continued to paint well into her later years. She was active in the arts community and participated in numerous exhibitions. Her style was traditional, and she often worked in oil on canvas, a medium that allowed her to capture rich details and subtle nuances of her subjects' personalities.

Margaret W. Lesley Bush-Brown passed away in 1944, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be appreciated for its technical skill and emotive quality. Her contributions to American art were significant, and her portraits remain a testament to her talent and her dedication to the discipline of painting.