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Will SimmonsWill Simmons was introduced to art by his father, Edward Simmons, a noted muralist who was a member of "The Ten," an artists group working in New York and Boston during the early 1900's.
After two years at Harvard, Will, decided to study art at the Acadamie Julian in Paris. He developed a strong interest in wildlife and natural history, spending days sketching at the Paris Zoo, museums, and in the Fountainbleau Forest where animals became his favorite subjects. He also trained himself to draw from memory as wildlife subjects would not pose for any artist.
Simmons once said,"Etching appeals to me because it is extremely difficult; because it breaks down attempts at definition and is so inherently suggestive- the first law is creating beauty, and finally; because it is so democratic."
A large amount of his etchings are romantic and impressionistic in displaying nature, but dramatic and technically well done. Portraying wildlife in various humorous situations with humanistic qualities gives the viewer a sensitive and elegant insight into animal life.
Simmons created over 200 prints dealing with wildlife and was a member of the Chicago Society of Etchers and the Brooklyn Society of Etchers.
Considered a "forgotten artist" of the 1930's, he showed grace and power in portraying the character of animal life.
Reference: John T. Ordeman, The Will Simmons Collection.
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Will Simmons
American (1884-1949)
Silver Splash
10-7/8 x 7-3/4 in.
Aquatint engraving printed in color, c.1930, probably an edition of 50 or less. Signed in the plate, lower right; signed in pencil, "engraved and printed in colors by Will Simmons." Printed on wove paper with a watermark, Normandy Vellum.
$600. |
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Will Simmons
American 1884-1949)
A Moonlight Chorus
9 X 4 in.
Drypoint, c.1923, edition 50. Signed in the plate, lower right; signed in pencil. Framed.
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Will Simmons
American (1884-1949)
To the Juice within the Cup of Undiluted Joy
5 x 1-5/8 in.
Drypoint, 1929, signed in the plate, upper portion of image, "from Bill Simmons." Signed in ink, lower margin, "Many Happy returns of Ye Day! T.C. and W.S." Used as a Holiday Greeting Card by Will Simmons and his wife, Teresa (Gina) Williams.
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Will Simmons
American (1884-1949)
The Moon Chase
7-7/8 x 1-1/2 in.
Drypoint,c.1920, edition about 50 or less. Signed in pencil.
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Will Simmons
American (1884-1949)
Ego!
3-3/4 x 3-1/2 in.
Etching, c.1920, edition about 50 or less. Signed in the plate, lower left;
signed in pencil. Printed on heavy wove paper with large margins.
$300. |
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Will Simmons
American (1884-1949)
Chords
4 x 4 in.
Etching and drypoint, c.1920, edition about 50 or less. Signed in the plate, lower center; signed in pencil. Printed on laid tissue-like paper.
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