Two Paintings by an Artistic Mentor of Marvin Mangus: William F. Walter

William F. Walter

William F. Walter

William F. Walter (1904-1977) Artist and Art Teacher In Washington DC Since 1930

Washington Star Obituary: July 8, 1977

William F. Walter, 73, a well-known Washington DC artist and teacher, died Wednesday at Sibley Memorial Hospital after suffering an aneurysm.

He worked in both oils and watercolors and mainly painted landscapes and marine scenes. He taught art for many years. Born in Washington DC, Mr. Walter was a graduate of Central High School. He studied at the Corcoran School of Art under Charles Hawthorne and W. Lester Stevens. During the 1930s, Mr. Walter was an instructor at the Abbott Art School in Washington DC, and later taught classes at his home. During World War II, he worked on important camouflage techniques for the Navy's Bureau of Ships.

Mr. Walter, who won a number of awards for his work, mounted one-man shows at George Washington University and the Arts Club of Washington, and also exhibited at Harvard University and the University of Iowa. 

He had been a member of the Arts Club since 1930 and had served on its Board of Directors. He was also a former President of the Landscape Club of Washington; former Vice-President of the Society of Washington Artists; and a member of the Washington Watercolor Association.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn; son, Edward P. Walter, of Birmingham, Michigan; a daughter, Diana W. Dickinson of Loretto, Virginia; and seven grandchildren.

A Mentor to Marvin Mangus: William F. Walter

William F. Walter (American, 1904-1977)

A Washington DC native, William F. Walter was a respected designer, cartoonist, teacher, and painter during his lifetime. After completing his studies at the Corcoran School of Art, he continued his training under the instruction of Charles Hawthorne, W. Lester Stevens, Richard Meryman, and B. Baker.

Walter was member of the Society of Washington Artists; Landscape Club, Washington, DC; Washington Art Club; American Polar Society and Southern States Art League. His work was shown in numerous venues including: Harvard University, University of Iowa, Washington Art Club and various museum in the East and South. He also held a solo exhibit in New York City. He was awarded prizes for his work by the Landscape Club and US National Museum.

In addition to his busy painting and exhibition schedule, he completed a series of Arctic paintings for the Navy in 1946 and taught at the Abbott School of Art in Washington DC from 1951-1954.

William F. Walter

William F. Walter

William F. Walter