William Woodward Obituary

Woodward

William Woodward 1935-2023

William Woodward, the highly acclaimed International Artist and Educator, passed away on June 14, 2023, in Virginia. A third generation Washingtonian, William Woodward earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees from The American University. William Woodward was Professor Emeritus of Fine Art at George Washington University, program director for the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree for more than thirty years.

William Woodward created the largest mural painted by a single artist in the 20th Century: The Greatest Show on Earth, which is in the permanent collection of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Florida. Many of his major commissions, murals and paintings are in public spaces, including: The Great Odyssey of Medicine, Inova Hospital, Virginia; Jefferson at Monticello, Monticello, VA; A View of the Soldiers' Home in Lincoln's Time, Lincoln Cottage Visitors Center, DC; Dolley Madison Rescuing the Portrait of George Washington, Montpelier Visitors Center, Virginia; A Loudon County Story, Thomas Balch Library, Virginia; The Memorial Day Parade, Rockville City Hall, MD; and A Dance to the Music of Time, The Inn at Little Washington, VA.

William Woodward is the only artist ever to design both sides of a United States coin in commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the U.S. Congress. Among his other awards and honors, the Society of the Four Arts Museum awarded him First Prize in the 49th Annual Exhibition of Contemporary American Art and he was awarded First Prize in the Concours de la Peinture en Plein-Aire in Brittany, France.

Woodward's works are to be found in numerous public and private collections including: the Speed Art Museum, KY; Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Maryland; Ogunquit Museum of Fine Arts, Maine; National Air and Space Museum, DC; American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, DC; and the Huntington Museum of Art, California.

"William Woodward was a man amongst men," says fellow artist William Dunlap. His joy, enthusiasm, and mastery of his craft have inspired generations of students, colleagues, compatriots and fellow artists. Visit www.WilliamWoodward.com for more information.

One of William Woodward's last projects was to establish an award for Mastery of Drawing in the Arts. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, please your send gifts and pledges to:

"The William Woodward Fellowship in Master Art Drawing"

Attention: Alex Nyerges, Director

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA 23220.

William Woodward is survived by his daughter Dr Catherine Woodward and his sister Marilyn Woodward-Entry. Family burial and memorial service are private.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jun. 25, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for William Woodward

8 Entries

William Adair

June 20, 2024

There are sometimes extraordinary people in this world and Woodward was certainly one of them. Now that he is out of this world his presence is missed by many close friends. It´s hard to say what exactly he had in him but it was considered by me to be a kind of clairvoyant gift. When he visited mey studio at the American Academy in Rome in 92, I had been struggling to make sense of drawing the links between architecture and frames with no real distinction and direction until he arrived and within a few hours of observation and communication I became clear in my mission. Artists wander in the desert and it takes a clear focused mind like Woodward´s to lead them through the meandering rivulets of ideas and time. Loved by many, you could say we were the lucky ones, Bill is gone but not forgotten . RIP Manly Man

David Schaff

July 26, 2023

We knew Woodward - he always went by last name - from the end of the 70´s through the 00´s. A Virginian, son on the gentleman painter Tom, he blew through Washington like a force of nature. With all his gifts he was. Friend beyond reservations. He was man of honor at our wedding.
Friend and supporter of Philippe Davy in Guilguiffin, Bretagne, he was ever intense and sympathetic in any relationship. Gifted draftsman, amazing mural painter,
raconteur extraordinaire, connoisseur of Champagne, and the best company one could have.
We treasure memories, will miss him intensely, and be glad for his remarkable art and life.
David and Linda Schaff

Marilyn L. Woodward Entry

Planted Trees

Marguerite Moreau McCarthy

July 10, 2023

Marguerite Moreau McCarthy

July 10, 2023

Marguerite Moreau McCarthy

July 10, 2023

Woodward was my grad school painting professor over forty years ago. He was much more than that- he taught me how to "see" and taught me the joy of discernment as an artist. I made a portrait of him which was used as the invitation for a Legacies exhibit in 2017. We have been communicating ever since and I will miss this brilliant man as a mentor and dear friend. I am sending my condolences and prayers to his family and friends.

Peggy Williams

June 28, 2023

Condolences to the family and friends of William Woodward.
I first met William when he was removing one of his larger murals, 42' wide and 22' high, from the Feld corporate offices in VA, and again when he reinstalled that same mural, titled The Greatest Show on Earth, into the lobby of the Tibbals Learning Center at The Ringling Museum in Sarasota, FL. It is now a permanent installation in the Tibbals lobby and is seen in amazement by thousands daily. Over a month's period of time, I had the opportunity to observe him sketch designs and complete several unpainted areas of the mural during this installation. His techniques are amazing, and he was quick to share with the museum guests an answer to their many questions about the mural and his painting techniques.
We found him to be very enjoyable, quick-thinking and high-spirited in concepts and conversations. He was delightful to work with. Just a few weeks ago, he popped into the Ringling Museum to check on his mural. He had a wonderful visit with some of our museum personnel. It was indeed good to see him!
We will certainly miss him. And are grateful to have known this amazing artist!

Marian Osher

June 25, 2023

I want to express my condolences to the family of William Woodward. He was my professor for a course on Methods and Techniques for artists at GWU when I was working on my MFA. Reproducing details of famous paintings, we experienced hands on exposure to the techniques of fresco, egg tempera and gold leafing. Professor Woodward gave his students a unique insight into the materials and techniques of master painters and the art history of their times. He cared about his students and enjoyed getting to know them.

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