Fort Lee Suburbanite from Fort Lee, New Jersey • A4

MAY 22, 2009 FORT LEE SUBURBANITE Fort Lee artist's work gets its rightful shine community including his dedication to teaching seniors how to paint every Monday at the Richard A. Nest Senior Center on Main Street. The artist left his indelible mark on the covers of classic novels, such as "The Brothers Karama-zov" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. The abstract painting on the book cover illustrates three men sharing two sets of eyes. He also did the cover for "Eight Tales of Mystery" by Edgar Allan Poe.

Another Docktor painting used on the front cover of Leo Tolstoy's classic "War and Peace" novel was so admired by the publisher, they decided to let Docktor's painting cover the book exclusively and only printed the title of the book on the spine a rarity in the publishing industry. "It's intriguing, and mysterious," said Barbara Docktor. "Those are words he would use to describe his work." In addition to novels, Irv Dock-tor's work can also be seen on the covers of record albums for artists such as big band favorite Tommy Dorsey and jazz virtuoso Art Tatum. One album cover displays the distressed silhouette of Ludwig Van Beethoven holding his head in his hands, as a fiery storm erupts in his mind. Docktor was also an avid photographer.

During World War II, he performed aerial photography to map out areas before missions. He was rarely seen without a camera since. When he returned from the war, Docktor used photography to outline illustrations and then painted additional features for effect. His favorite subjects were his children and the home he final- BY MAXIM ALMENAS Staff Writer Fort Lee resident Irv Docktor was an artist whose work was well known around the world. But his art, which stretched the boundaries of classic form and expressionism, was never officially exhibited in Fort Lee until after he died.

"He wasn't good at the business side of the art industry," said his daughter Barbara Docktor. "He was always focused on creating the work." Irv Docktor passed away Feb. 14, 2008, just two hours apart from his best friend, Fort Lee artist Paul Ortlip. "That was our version of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams," said Tom Myers, executive director of the Fort Lee Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs (FLOCHA) during the "Irv Dock-tor: Rarely Seen Works" exhibit, which opened at the Fort Lee Museum May 7. Much of Docktor's art would have stayed in storage if Barbara Docktor and her family had not collaborated with FLOCHA and the Fort Lee Historical Society to get the vast collection displayed at the museum.

Barbara accepted a certificate honoring her father on behalf of the Docktor family. "He was a real philanthropist in terms of teaching and giving back to others," Myers said. "And we hope to form the Fort Lee Coalition of the Arts made up multiple organizations to promote the arts and present works like Irv Dock-tor and Paul Ortlip to future generations." Docktor was honored for his body of work and service to the PHOTO BY MICHAEL RONCALLO This colorful piece is one of Fort Lee artist Paul Ortlip's paintings now on display. have extra time with the beloved artist who brought out the best in his students. "They students were so devoted to him," Mildred Docktor said.

"He gave his all, and he tried to impel them to be free and to paint. Some artists are afraid to give too much, but he gave." E-mail: ly settled into overlooking the Palisades and the George Washington Bridge. "He looked up and down along the Hudson River before we moved into Fort Lee in 1957," said wife Mildred Docktor. "We raised our three children here. He loved Fort Lee," Mildred Docktor said her husband loved the arts, especially opera and theatre.

He painted Broadway show posters and playbills from many of the performances he and his wife frequented. Some of his playbills are on display at the exhibit. Docktor remained busy most of his career by painting and teaching at art schools such as the American Art School, Newark College of Art and the High School of Art Design in New York. Students would arrive before class just to EIB1BIB1B1BIB1BIB1B1BIB1BIB1B1BIBM jjljM 39tH ANNUAL GREEK FESTIVAL! smart kids Ml? Why do If your child is struggling with schoolwork, take action now to make his or her grades better. Since 1977, Huntington Learning Center reading writing has helped improve children's skills, confidence and motivation.

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