Born in Memel, Latvia but lived in Moscow for four years before immigrating to New York. Studied at the National Academy of Design alongside Alfred Maurer. First exhibition in 1902 was in conjunction with William J. Glackens and “Pop” Hart at the Old Country Sketch Club. Lived in Paris from 1904-1907 and was exposed to works by French modernists and Cézanne. Traveled throughout Europe, India and East Asia before returning to New York in 1915. Was married to Mabel Dodge from 1916-1918 before again traveling to Europe and living in Anticoli, Corrado, Italy. Taught at the Art Students League on several occasions. Exhibited at the Scott and Fowles Gallery in 1926, which helped him rise to prominence. Established an art school in 1932 in New York, and had his first retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in 1933. Taught at the California School of Fine Arts from 1934-1936 but returned to New York to teach. Was appointed by President Truman to the National Fine arts Commission in 1945. Works are held in the Phillips Collection.