Sam Hyde Harris - Rural Barn Scene -Oil on Board P3304

Art measures 16" x 20". frame is 18 3/4" x 22 3/4". A really satisfying painting, and beautifully observed and executed. Barn paintings really speak to the American soul. And this is a great one. At 14 years of age Sam Hyde Harris was already a successful commercial artist.  A 1903 letter of recommendation from Andre & Sleigh, stated that, “We have the pleasure in stating that Samuel Harris (aged 14 ½ years) has given every satisfaction during the 8 or 9 months he has been engaged in our Artists Department.” After moving to California with his family Harris got a job as painter of signs, billboards and hand-lettered show cards in 1906.  He developed a reputation for doing excellent commercial work and opened his own commercial art studio by 1914.  His commercial art business received a boost in 1920 when he was hired by the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway Company to work on their poster advertising.  He was later hired to do artwork Southern Pacific Railways as well. He bega