The early modern American Impressionism period was topic for discussion for the “Let’s Talk Art” lecture series, sponsored by the Hammond Regional Arts Center (HRAC), the Friends of Sims Memorial Library and the department of fine and performing arts.

Art history major Carolyn Biggio presented on Wednesday, Nov. 18, in the Sims Memorial Library on painter Henry Hensche, who is well known for drawing out the light and color of nature. Hensche is also considered a link from the early days of the impressionist movement to the artists of today.

Biggio herself had studied under Hensche for a brief period of time, after she met him when he was 87, though she was unaware of his influence on the art world.

“I didn’t know who he was at the time,” said Biggio. “I didn’t know who Monet was at the time.”

In her lecture, Biggio spoke about Hensche’s path to becoming an artist and his influence on the artistic world.

Originally from Germany, Hensche traveled to the United States with his father and sister in 1903. Hensche, instead of pursuing his initial desire to be an architect, was influenced by his high school teachers, who encouraged him to go to the Art Institute of Chicago.

According to Biggio, Hensche was not satisfied with just drawing straight lines.

“He felt like his teachers were sort of close-minded to anything new,” said Biggio.

Hensche was more attracted to what he called “bright, savage colors” like those he saw in impressionist paintings. Hensche was encouraged by his peers to go to Provincetown, Ma., to study under American realist painter George Bellows.

Eventually, Hensche encountered his greatest influence, Charles Hawthorne. Hensche then began to experiment, building forms with color rather than lines. Hensche eventually became Hawthorne’s partner before Hawthorne’s sudden death in 1930, and Hensche took on his own students. Many artists and art historians credit Hawthorne and Hensche for keeping impressionist painting alive in the United States.

Chris Ashbey, a senior new media and animation major, agreed on the influence of Hensche and his artwork.

“I find anything art-related interesting,” said Ashbey. “You can see his influence on the art world for sure.”

Established in 2008, “Let’s Talk Art” is a series of lectures open to the Hammond community. Future lectures include “Minoan Frescoes” on Jan. 27 in Sims Memorial Library, “Hitler and Degenerate Art” on Feb. 17 at the HRAC, “Woman Artist” on March 17 at Sims Memorial Library and “Altar Pieces” on April 21 at the HRAC.

More information can be found by contacting the Sims Library at 985-549-2027.