Willard A. Downes
Willard A. Downes | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 14, 1908 |
| Known for | Portraits, caricatures |
Willard A. Downes (1908–2000) was an American artist and illustrator. He was artistically active his entire life as a painter and illustrator. He painted portraits, landscapes and did caricatures of famous people. He was the uncle of Doris Downes, an American botanical artist.
Biography
Willard Alfred Downes, was born in Washington, D.C., on October 14, 1908, and grew up in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
When he was 17 years old he relocated to New York City to pursue his artistic career. He attended the
He began his professional career as a commercial illustrator and a fine arts painter. He was hired to help paint billboards for Columbia,
In the 1930s and the 1940s he was commissioned to sketch publicity portraits of big name actors. He drew portraits of
In the 1950s he explored the aspects of modernism; he produced abstract paintings on a myriad of subjects. His abstract paintings, along with his posters and illustrations were exhibited at numerous museums and galleries.[2]
He was a member of the Society of Illustrators.[3]
Downes died on September 11, 2000, in Gulfport, Florida, at the age of 92. He is buried in the Confederate Cemetery in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
References
- ^ "Willard Downes - Artist, Fine Art Prices, Auction Records for Willard Downes". www.askart.com.
- ^ "Willard Downes". www.karlie.com.
- ^ "Society of Illustrators -". www.societyillustrators.org.
External links
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
