Pruett Alexander Carter (1891 – 1955) was an American illustrator. He studied fine art in Los Angeles at the Art Students’ League, then studied in New York under the painter Robert Henri.
Carter followed a career path similar to that of many other illustrators of the time. He illustrated national magazines such as Life, McCall’s, Ladies’ Home Journal, Woman’s Home Companion and The American Magazine, and was art director at Atlanta Journal and Good Housekeeping. He was successful in his career due to his ease with adapting his work to the needs and wants of the public.
Aside from working for magazines, Carter taught at the Grand Central Art School with N.C. Wyeth and Harvey Dunn, and was later head of the Illustration Department at the Los Angeles Chouinard Art Institute.
Carter was married and had a son with his wife Theresa in 1920. He lived in New York with them until 1930, when they relocated to Los Angeles, California. Around the same time as this move, Carter switched from his main medium of oil paint to that of gouache due to the faster drying time.
In 1955, Carter killed his wife and son in their sleep and subsequently committed suicide.
In 1988, Carter was added to the Society of Illustrators’ hall of Fame.
Coralie,
Nice work on Pruett Carter. Boy those illustrators could draw. Good research and writing. Also what a sad ending he came to. Hopefully this is not why he’s really remembered. Also the fourth post should be in by now.
Jeff