William Sanderson, born in Dubbeln, Latvia, immigrated to the United States at the age of eighteen. He settled first in New York City where he studied at the National Academy of Design and at the Art Students League.

Following his studies, Sanderson worked as a book and magazine illustrator. His work appeared in several popular publications including "The New Yorker," "Esquire" and "The New Masses."

In 1937, Sanderson was honored with a solo exhibition held at the Contemporary American Artists Gallery in New York City.

After World War II, Sanderson relocated to Denver where he was hired by Vance Kirkland to instruct in advertising design at the University of Denver. He remained with the University from 1946 until 1972.

In Colorado, Sanderson became active in the artist community, co-founding the Denver based organization known as the "Fifteen Colorado Artists".

Sanderson painted in a variety of styles, including Cubism, Social Realism, and Hard-Edge Abstraction. His work often depicts architecture, ships, nature, and the common man.

In 1976, Sanderson donated a collection of forty paintings to Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado. The paintings remain on permanent display at the college in a gallery bearing his name.

Works Held:
Denver Art Museum, Philip Anschutz Collection, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, Dartmouth College, Denver Public Library, Ford Motor Company Collection, Northeastern Junior College, Southern Utah University, and Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art

Further Reading:
Who Was Who in American Art 1564-1975: 400 Years of Artists in America, Vol. 1. Peter Hastings Falk, Georgia Kuchen and Veronica Roessler, eds.,Sound View Press, Madison, Connecticut, 1999. 3 Vols.
© David Cook Galleries, LLC