Henry Martin Gasser was known for capturing the life, and character of New England landscapes and cities. He believed that “it is the artist’s challenge to take advantage of his familiarity with his environment and infuse the ordinary with excitement.”

He worked during the depression, war and post war periods. A native of Newark, New Jersey, Gasser studied locally at the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art and later in 1946 became the Director. His instructor and lifelong friend John Grabach was known for his gritty, working class scenes, which were often associated with the Ashcan School. He and Grabach went on regular painting expeditions to the north shore of Massachusetts (Gloucester and Rockport).

Continuing his art education, he studied at the Grand Central School of Art and with the Art Students League in New York City, later teaching composition classes there. He explained: “everyday scenes that are available to most of us—streets, back yards, trees, old houses are my subjects.”

Although he worked in a variety of mediums, including oil, gouache, and casein, he was best known for his skill with watercolors.

Gasser was the author of numerous books about painting and belonged to more than twenty organizations. He was a life member of many, including the National Arts Club, Grand Central Art Galleries and the Art Students League. He served as vice president of the American Watercolor Society and the National Academy of Design, and he won many awards, including the NAD’s prestigious Hallgarten Prize in 1943.

As a frequent exhibitor in solo and group exhibitions, he received many accolades and over one hundred awards and medals.

Harbor Hill (Gloucester) is an excellent example of his best work.