Etcher and Engraver; Born in Rockford, Illinois. Hobbs studied drawing
at the Art Institute of Chicago. He later branched off into the study
of architecture, and was identified with that profession for many years.
In 1921, several years after his return from
overseas service with the American Expeditionary Force at which time
he lost his hearing, he moved to Toledo, Ohio, and practiced architecture.
In 1926 and 1927 he produced his first etchings and dry points. Early
in his career he had the rare distinction of having two one-man exhibitions
of his works at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington.
Later he was drawn to New Orleans in 1938 with
plans for creating a series of small prints of the French Quarter and
many of its historic buildings scattered throughout the old section
of New Orleans. He lived there for the remainder of his life until succumbing
to a brief illness at the Ochsner Foundation Hospital in January of
1967. During his career he was known to have created many Architectural
drawings, painted nudes, landscapes, and still life works, as well as
making wood carvings. He worked in oil, watercolor, and pencil, as well
as being a master etcher and engraver. Hobbs taught etching for many
years and many of his students went on to become famous artists in their
own right.
He is honored for having one of his prints selected
for publication in the book "American Prize Prints of the 20th Century"
by Albert Reese, published by American Artists Group, Inc.