Irving Ramsey Wiles (1861 - 1948) American Gouache on Paper Measure 7 3/4"in H x 12"in W an 9 3/4"in H x 14"in W with frame Known for: Portrait, figure, sea-landscape and marine [aomtomg Irving Ramsey Wiles was the son of artist, Lemuel Maynard Wiles, who maintained a studio on Washington Square in New York City. The father was pleased with his son's artistic aptitude and encouraged him to enroll at the Art Students League. At the League, the young Wiles studied under William Merritt Chase, who had the greatest impact on his painterly style. After one year of study in Europe, Wiles returned to New York in 1883, supporting himself as an illustrator. By the 1890s, he began to earn an income as a painting instructor. During the 1890s, Wiles established himself as one of the best young portraitists and figure painters on the East Coast. Wiles enjoyed a successful career, winning numerous, important artistic prizes. Around 1920, the artist purchased a home in Peconic on the North Fork of Long Island, where he spent his summers until his death in 1948.