Zaidenberg, Arthur (1902 - April 16, 1990)

Arthur Zaidenberg (1902 - April 16, 1990) was an American painter, sculptor, muralist, author, and teacher. Born in New York City, Zaidenberg is perhaps best known for the classic art-instruction book Anyone Can Draw, published in 1938. He stated in his 'revolutionary' technique that anyone capable of writing the alphabet could combine simple shapes and draw. Zaidenberg also holds the distinction of being the first professor at New York University to used nude models in his life drawing class. Over the course of his career, Zaidenberg painted over 100 murals, including for the cruise ship Rotterdam and for the St. Moritz Hotel in Manhattan. He served in the Army Signal Corps during World War II making animated films. He lived in Woodstock, New York for at least thirty years before moving to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico in 1980, where he spent the last ten years of his life.