Avel de Knight facts for kids
Avel de Knight (born around 1923 – died 1995) was an amazing African-American artist. He was also an art teacher and wrote about art. You can find his artworks in famous places like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Walker Art Center.
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Avel de Knight's Early Life and Art School
Avel de Knight was born in New York. His parents came to the United States from Barbados and Puerto Rico. He was the younger brother of René DeKnight, who was also a talented musician.
Avel de Knight loved art from a young age. He studied at the Pratt Institute, a famous art school, from 1941 to 1942.
Serving in World War II
During World War II, Avel de Knight joined the Army. He served in a special unit for African-American soldiers. After the war ended, he moved to Paris, France, in 1946.
Art Studies in Paris
In Paris, Avel de Knight used a program called the G.I. Bill. This program helped soldiers pay for their education after the war. He went to several well-known art schools there, including the École des Beaux-Arts, the Académie de la Grande Chaumière, and the Académie Julian.
Avel de Knight's Art Career
Avel de Knight was known for his beautiful paintings. He often used watercolors, which are paints that mix with water. He also used a special painting method called gouache. Gouache is like watercolor but thicker and more opaque, meaning you can't see through it as easily.
Besides creating his own art, Avel de Knight also taught others. He shared his knowledge at the Art Students League of New York and the National Academy School of Fine Arts.
Where to See Avel de Knight's Art
You can find Avel de Knight's artwork in many important art collections across the United States. These places help keep his art safe and allow many people to see it.
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Walker Art Center
- University of Richmond
- Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
- The Chrysler Museum of Art
- Lehigh University Art Galleries
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