A painter and coartoonist, he was born on March 21, 1888 in Pasadena, California on a ranch on what is now the corner of Lake and Colorado streets. Drawing (even on toilet paper) since 4 years of age, he studied the Masters and well-known contemporary artists on his own. He read extensively about other artists - studying their palettes and techniques. In his younger years, before WWI (he enlisted) Walt had commissions for advertisement oil paintings of actors and actresses which were displayed outside the theatres by the largest movie houses on Hollywood Boulevard. Each was framed and done in about 4 times life size. Lee also studied with Hanson Puthuff and Paul Lauritz.

He later taught cartooning

Source: Edan Hughes, "Artists in California, 1786-1940"


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