Walter Emerson Baum was born in September of 1884 to Mary Ellen and Harvey Baum of Sellersville, Pennsylvania. The town of Sellersville is located in Bucks County, making Baum the only noted "Bucks County Impressionist" to actually lay claim to that area as his place of birth. His formal art training began when he studied Fraktur under Isaac Hilker. Fraktur are special documents such as birth or wedding certificates decorated with ink and watercolor. Baum's interest and involvement in Fraktur making acted as an early sign of a commitment to his community and his German American heritage that would hold firm the remainder of his life.
In 1904 he began to study under William B.T. Trego, as his apprentice. A year later he attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts where he would study under the famed instructors Thomas Anshutz and Daniel Garber. It was Anshutz that had shifted the Academy's focus away from staunch realism and allowed for more exploration in style. Baum's studies and influences forged his artistic beliefs and bold impressionist style. Working en plein air, Baum wasted little time combining large amounts of pigment with seemingly larger brush strokes. His works depicting natural settings, especially those in winter, would prove over time to be of great impact on the arts.
In his lifetime Baum was honored with over thirty major awards, including the Jennie Sesnan Gold Medal from the Pennsylvania Academy and the Medal of Honor from the National Arts Club. Also during his lifetime Baum's works were featured in over one hundred and fifty museum exhibitions. His personal accomplishments culminated with the establishments of both the Baum School of Art and the Allentown Art Museum. Baum's endearing legacy is that a love of art will enhance the life of anyone willing to pursue it. To view more of Walter Baum's impressive works please click on his name in the Links section.
