Sheeler is best known as a painter of precise renderings of industrial forms, in an abstract-realist style, emphasizing abstract qualities and geometric shapes, using clear colors and smooth surfaces. He was a native of Philadelphia and studied at the School of Industrial Art and then at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. He began a career in photography ca. 1912, working for architects, the Ford Motor Company, and other clients. He continued to create highly acclaimed paintings. His later works tended toward less literal renderings. American artist.
Upon seeing a painting by Pablo Picasso in 1908, Sheeler, who had studied art in Philadephia, was inspired to combine cubism and realism. He applied this style to the straight lines of American city and industrial scenes. He is considered one of the founders of American modernism.
He was also a master photographer. Unlike earlier photographers who favored blurry photos in an attempt to imitate painting, Sheeler preferred sharply focused images. His most familiar subject is the Ford River Rouge plant in Michigan.
Photography is nature seen from the eyes outward; painting from the eyes,inward. .
