Hugh Seward Hirtle

Hugh Seward Hirtle
Illustrator & Fine Artist, Devoted
Husband and Friend
Family, friends, and colleagues mourn the passing of Hugh Hirtle on Monday, May 14, 2012, at his home in Silvermine, following a short illness.
Born in Springdale, Pennsylvania in 1934, Hugh began his prolific creative career where from the age of 6 through 17 years he was an invited guest of Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh Museum and Carnegie Tech participating in drawing, sculpture, and painting classes. He graduated from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York in 1955. His fine arts degree led him to a long career with IBM Office Products, New York. He established his own fine arts studio in the late 1970's, first in Greenwich, CT and later in Norwalk, CT. Hugh created editorial illustrations for international publications and advertising agencies in New York and Connecticut.
Always grateful for his God-given gift to draw and paint, Hugh's love of nature proved to be his constant inspiration. His portrayal of wildlife and ability to capture the human spirit through portraiture emerged as his most captivating and enduring works; they may be found in galleries and private collections throughout the United States and abroad.
Hugh is survived by his wife Barbara Kingsley Hirtle of Silvermine; his daughters Jamela Beyerle, of Lititz, PA, and Stephanie Hirtle of New York City; his sister, Natalie Osborne, of Boca Raton, FL,; his son-in-law, Scott Beyerle, granddaughter, Kathleen Beyerle; his grandson, Scott Beyerle, Jr. of Lititz, PA; and extended families throughout the country.