Know what the old masters did. Know how they composed their pictures, but do not fall into the conventions they established. These conventions were right for them, and they are wonderful. They made their language. You make yours. All the past can help you.

He became an influential figure in the Santa Fe art scene and persuaded the director of the state art museum to adopt an open-door policy. The couple spent the next two years on an extended honeymoon in France during which time Henri prepared canvases to submit to the Salon. which he modeled after the Salon des Indépendants in France.

He was a leading figure of the Ashcan School in art.