The Famous Frank J. Reilly, American Painter, Illustrator, Muralist and Teacher

Discover the Authentic Reilly Method

The Famous Frank J. Reilly

This book is dedicated with fond memories to Frank J. Reilly, an American painter, illustrator, muralist and teacher. Born on August 21, 1906, in New York City, he died of brain cancer on January 15, 1967. Reilly studied at the Art Students from 1927 through 1931, where his teachers were George B. Bridgeman and Frank Vincent DuMond.

Reilly held the positions of Art Commissioner of New York City, President of the Council of American Artists Societies, Vice President of the National Society of Mural Painters, and Vice President of the Art Students League.

He also was a member of the National Academy of Design, Allied Artist, Society of Illustrators, American Artist Professional League, and the Salmagundi Art Club.

Reilly was best known for his 29 years teaching drawing and painting at the Art Students League. By 1960 he was teaching more than 300 students in morning, afternoon, and evening classes.

He also taught at the Grand Central School of Art, Pratt Institute and Moore College of Art & Design, as well as mural painting at the National Academy of Design.

Reilly’s lectures were so popular that the Wednesday night series at the League was standing room only.

Reilly taught not by category, such as landscape, portraits of special subjects. Rather, he taught how to draw, how to paint and picture making. In his drawing classes he taught: line; pattern; structure; anatomy; drapery; and perspective. In painting he taught: light and shade and color; skills in brush handling, including hard and soft edges; indoor studio figures, portraits and still lifes; and outdoor figure painting, landscapes and seascapes.

Picture making involved both drawing and painting and adding composition, which involved the arrangement of abstract elements to tell a story. Reilly taught because he loved to and his extensive knowledge of art and its craft is why he taught so well. The famous artist, illustrator and muralist Dean Cornwell once said, “Frank Reilly could teach anyone to draw and paint provided, of course, you wanted to paint.”

Frank J. Reilly

Frank J. Reilly

“Frank J. Reilly was a Master of his craft. The knowledge and inspiration I gained from studying with him for seven years resulted in my successful career that has spanned more than 65 years as a fine artist and illustrator. I owe him my sincere gratitude. In addition, his teaching enabled hundreds of art students to also succeed as a fine artist or illustrators.”~ Ralph Garafola