Aaron Douglas, African American, 1899 to 1979, mixed media painting on paper depicting a scene with a couple in a forest landscape. Signed lower right. Framed. Aaron Douglas was an American painter, illustrator, and visual arts educator. He was a major figure in the Harlem Renaissance. He developed his art career painting murals and creating illustrations that addressed social issues around race and segregation in the United States by utilizing African-centric imagery. Douglas set the stage for young, African American artists to enter the public arts realm through his involvement with the Harlem Artists Guild. In 1944, he concluded his art career by founding the Art Department at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. He taught visual art classes at Fisk University until his retirement in 1966. Douglas is known as a prominent leader in modern African American art whose work influenced artists for years to come. Modern African American Fine Art, Gene Scenes, Wall Art, and Collectibles.