Howard W. Thomas (1899-1971) was born in Ohio and studied art at Ohio State University, followed by study at the Art Institute of Chicago. He began teaching art to high school students in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1923, continuing to 1930. He was director of the art education department at Milwaukee State Teachers College (MSTC) from 1930-1936. In the later 1930’s, I believe Thomas was head of the WPA art program in Milwaukee. Right now I can’t locate my documentation for that, but I believe it to be accurate. By the mid 1940’s Thomas had moved south, first at the University of North Carolina, and then the University of Georgia, where he spent the rest of his career.

While at MSTC, Thomas was exposed to other teachers in the art department, most notably Carl Holty. Holty was already making modernist art, and Thomas was influenced by Holty. Thomas mostly worked in the modern idiom after WWII. The University of George held an exhibition for Thomas (possibly after his death), and they produced a nice catalog, albeit a slim one. I can’t seem to locate that right now, either, unfortunately. As I recall, it mostly pertained to his later work.

Thomas’s Wisconsin years were very active in the local art community. He was a member of the Wisconsin Painters and Sculptors and also the Milwaukee Printmakers. He exhibited with both of them many times. He also participated in many national exhibitions. He exhibited at the Milwaukee Journal Gallery of Art, which operated from 1924-1931.

 

Howard W. Thomas "Jones Island, Seventeen"  oil on board, 16"h x 20"w 1937

Jones Island is in Milwaukee. This painting has two exhibition labels.

The Art Institute of Chicago "American Paintings and Sculpture" show (no year)

The "National Exhibit of American Art" in New York City, 1939

 

 

Howard W. Thomas "Wells Street Bridge" (Milwaukee) linocut 9.75"h x 5.25"w, signed, no date

 

 

Howard W. Thomas "Still Life"  woodcut, 6"h x 5"w, signed, 5/6, 1936

This print was featured in the Milwaukee Printmakers Artist Calendar for 1936.

 

 

Howard W. Thomas  "Jones Island"  woodcut, 4"h x 5"w, unsigned, 1936

This print was also featured in the 1936 calendar.

 

 

Howard W. Thomas  "Indian Pony" linocut, 4"h x 5"w, signed, 24/24, 1938

 

 

Howard W. Thomas "Farmer with Chew" woodcut, 7.5"h x 6"w, signed, 5/5, no date

A nearly identical print by Thomas appeared in the 1936 Wisconsin Artist Calendar with the title "Jefferson County Farmer."

 

 

Howard W. Thomas "Nauvoo Hollow"  wood engraving, 6"h x 7.5"w, signed, 3/24, no date

This print appeared in the 1938 Wisconsin Artist Calendar.

 

 

Howard W. Thomas untitled ("Monday In Wick Haven") linocut, 6"h x 5"w, unsigned, no date

This print appeared in the 1937 Wisconsin Artist Calendar, with the title.

 

 

Howard W. Thomas "White Horse"  color etching, 7"h x 9.75"w, estate signed, 1952

 

 

Howard W. Thomas  "Swallows Come Out"  lithograph, 11.25"h x 14.5"w, signed, no date