William Lees Judson was an English-born American artist known for his landscape paintings and his role as an influential educator in the arts. Born on October 14, 1842, in Manchester, England, he emigrated with his family to the United States at the age of ten, settling in New York.
Judson showed an early talent for art and began his formal training at the National Academy of Design in New York. He later traveled to Paris to study under the famous French artist Adolphe Yvon at the École des Beaux-Arts. During his time in Europe, Judson was exposed to various artistic movements, which would influence his later work.
After his studies in Europe, Judson returned to the United States, where he began to establish himself as a landscape painter. He was particularly drawn to the American West, and his paintings often depicted the vast and rugged landscapes he encountered. In 1893, Judson moved to Los Angeles, where he became a pivotal figure in the city's emerging art scene.
In Los Angeles, Judson founded the College of Fine Arts at the University of Southern California (USC) in 1895, which was one of the first art schools in the American West. As its dean, he was instrumental in shaping the curriculum and fostering a generation of artists. He held this position until his retirement in 1922.
Throughout his career, Judson was an active member of the art community. He helped establish the California Art Club in 1909, which became a leading organization for artists in the region. His own work was widely exhibited and received numerous accolades.
William Lees Judson passed away on October 10, 1928, in Los Angeles. His legacy is marked by his contributions to the development of the arts in Southern California, both through his paintings and his role as an educator. The historic Judson Studios, founded by his son Walter Horace Judson, continues to operate in Los Angeles, specializing in stained glass and maintaining the artistic vision that Judson championed.
