1818 - 1882
Le Clear proved to be a child prodigy when, at the age of nine and without any training, he began to produce portraits of his school mates. He continued this practice after his family moved to London, Ontario, in 1832. Two years later, he took up the life of an itinerant portraitist, traveling in New York State and even as far afield as Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he went to sketch Native Americans. In 1839 he settled for a time in New York. He was a member of the antique classes at the National Academy between 1844 and 1846 and, about that same time, began painting genre pictures, especially those dealing with the activities of children. He began exhibiting examples of these at the Academy in 1844 and submitted a number of them for distribution by the American Art Union beginning in 1846.
Le Clear remained in New York, continuing to paint portraits, until about 1846 when he moved to Buffalo. He was back in New York in 1860, however, and spent the rest of his life there or nearby. He made several trips to Europe and exhibited at the Royal Academy in London. He was also a frequent exhibitor at the National Academy especially in the 1860s and 1870s when he showed mostly portraits but also a few genre paintings. He was a member of Council for the 1869-70 term, and an instructor of painting at the Academy in 1873-74.
When Le Clear died, the Academy recorded the following tribute in it minutes:
He was eminently successful in his department of Portraiture. Among is sitters he counted many of our most distinguished citizens, and the examples of his genius which are preserved in our private and public collections, are marked by a truth and vitality which will insure them long life and influence. . . . In personal traits our departed friend commended himself to all hearts. His simple habits and kindly manner won the friendship of his fellows in no less degree than his unquestioned genius compelled their approval and praise.
DBD
Le Clear remained in New York, continuing to paint portraits, until about 1846 when he moved to Buffalo. He was back in New York in 1860, however, and spent the rest of his life there or nearby. He made several trips to Europe and exhibited at the Royal Academy in London. He was also a frequent exhibitor at the National Academy especially in the 1860s and 1870s when he showed mostly portraits but also a few genre paintings. He was a member of Council for the 1869-70 term, and an instructor of painting at the Academy in 1873-74.
When Le Clear died, the Academy recorded the following tribute in it minutes:
He was eminently successful in his department of Portraiture. Among is sitters he counted many of our most distinguished citizens, and the examples of his genius which are preserved in our private and public collections, are marked by a truth and vitality which will insure them long life and influence. . . . In personal traits our departed friend commended himself to all hearts. His simple habits and kindly manner won the friendship of his fellows in no less degree than his unquestioned genius compelled their approval and praise.
DBD
