Edward L. Loper Sr. was an African American artist and teacher from Delaware, known for his vibrant palette and juxtaposition of colors. Born on April 7, 1916, in Wilmington, Delaware, he was primarily self-taught, although he also studied at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia for ten years. He taught painting for almost 70 years, influencing countless students with his unique approach to color and form.
Loper’s cultural impact was significant. He spent the 1940s in Wilmington, painting many iconic Delaware landscapes and cityscapes still recognizable today. His talent for color broke the mold of his time and his passion for teaching others to see through colors was unsurpassed. He changed the landscape for black artists and paved the way for others who came after him. His work is represented in major permanent collections in the Philadelphia Art Museum, the Delaware Art Museum, the Corcoran Gallery in Washington, DC, Howard University, the Museum of African American Art in Tampa, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and Clark-Atlanta University Collection of African American Art, among others. His legacy continues to inspire and educate, with his meticulous illustrations still being appreciated in homes and institutions around the world. Edward L. Loper Sr. passed away on October 11, 2011, but his contributions to art and education continue to resonate today.
