WILLIAM MUNSON (1922-1957)

William Munson was born in Denver, Colorado. Shortly after arriving in San Diego in 1939 he enlisted in the Army. Upon returning to San Diego after World War II he studied with Monty Lewis at the Coronado School of Fine Arts from 1947 to 1952. He also taught watercolor at the school in 1954. Munson developed quickly as an artist and began to receive important awards, including prizes at the Los Angeles County Artists Group in 1953 and 1957, California Watercolor Society in 1954, and prizes in both the conservative and modern sections exposition in 1955. In 1956 he had a one man show at the La Jolla Art Center. By the late 1950s he was considered one of the fastest rising young talents in San Diego. Outspoken art critic James Britton called Munson "one of the truly gifted painters of San Diego. Tragically, Munson was killed in an automobile accident on Camino del Rio when he was thirty-five years old. The Fine Arts Gallery of San Diego held a memorial exhibition in March of 1958. A memorial exhibition in Munson's name was later established at the Coronado School of Fine Arts.

Philosophical Conversations

Oil on canvas, 32-1/2 x 54-1/2", signed lower right. "Philosophical Conversations by Wm. Munson / 3601 State Street / San Diego Calif" inscribed on stretcher bar verso.

The frame is original.