Edgar Louis Ewing (1913-2006) 'To Eddie Ness’ Prohibition Wino Uphill Run 1952 9x13 oil on board

Painter. Born in Hartington, Nebraska on January 17, 1913, Edgar L  Ewing first studied at the Art Institute of Chicago under Boris Anisfeld.  Upon graduation in 1935, he further studied and traveled in Europe on an art fellowship.  Ewing's travels throughout his life, through Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, promoted great artistic inspiration.  He was especially intrigued by the history of Ancient Greece and would eventually paint his Roman Series, one of the artist's most important works. Returning to Chicago, he taught at the Art Institute for several years as well as at universities in Oregon and Michigan.  

During WWII Ewing was in Southeast Asia as a member of the Corps of Engineers, but upon the War's end Ewing resumed working as an artist.  His early paintings are characterized by strong Post-Cubic tendencies.  In this 1952 painting, we see a very expressionist, brutalist approach

Upon discharge, he began a long stint as a member of the faculty at the University of Southern California, while spending sabbaticals in Europe, particularly Athens, Greece.  

Art schools in Los Angeles were immensely important during the mid-century. Without the extensive infrastructure of museums, galleries, collectors, and criticism that existed on the East Coast, California art schools became the primary outlets of artistic innovation and collaboration.  An entire school of progressive artists worked, exhibited, and taught together at Los Angeles's various art schools including Otis Art Institute (founded in 1918), Chouinard Art Institute (founded in 1921), and Jepson Art Institute (founded in 1947).  Ewing was part of this community and taught alongside the important Hungarian/American artist Francis De Erdely while at USC.  Edgar Ewing's artistic achievements are prolific, he exhibited widely, and received extensive critical acclaim.

Throughout his career as an educator, he remained a prolific painter.  Ewing died in Los Angeles on July 3, 2006. 
Edan Hughes, author of the book "Artists in California, 1786-1940” Alissa J. Anderson

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